College Sports Established
1941
Location
Orem, Utah
College Name
Utah Valley University
Collegiate History
2004 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2013 - Present / Western Athletic Conference
2004 - 2013 / Great West Conference
Nickname
Wolverines - The Utah Valley Wolverines are a collegiate athletic program based in Orem, Utah. Founded in 1963, the school has established itself as one of the premier programs in the western United States. But what is the origin story behind their unique nickname?
The origins of "Wolverine" can be traced back to an unlikely source: a local high school basketball team from nearby Provo High School. The team was known for its tenacious and aggressive style of play that earned them comparisons to wolverines - small but fierce animals native to North America's northern forests and tundra regions. This comparison stuck with fans referring to Provo High's basketball teams as "the Wolverines." When UVU was founded two years later, it adopted this nickname out of respect for its local predecessor and its desire for an intimidating moniker on par with other schools' mascots like Wildcats or Bears.
Over time, these original associations have been further strengthened by popular culture references such as Marvel Comics' X-Men character Wolverine (aka Logan), who shares his namesake animal’s reputation for strength and ferocity despite his more diminutive stature, making him a perfect fit alongside UVU’s student-athletes! So, while “Utah Valley Wolverines” may not sound like your typical college mascot at first glance – there is quite an exciting history behind it!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Wolverines
As one of the founding members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), Utah Valley University was part of its original lineup when it formed in 1962. During this period, they won multiple conference titles, including men’s basketball championships from 1965-1968 and 1970-1971; baseball championships from 1966-1969; football championship games every year between 1964 & 1972; women’s volleyball title game winners for four consecutive years starting 1971 through 1974; men’s track & field champions for five straight seasons beginning 1973 through 1977 plus two more times during 1982 & 1983 respectively.
In addition to their success within WAC play over these early decades, there were also several individual accolades awarded, which included being named National Player Of The Year twice each by both Basketball Times Magazine (1966) along with Street And Smith's College Basketball Annual Guidebook (1970). Other notable achievements include having three players selected first-round picks at NBA Draft events held between 1967 and 1976, while another seven were chosen second-rounders or higher during those same drafts.
Today, after joining forces with the Great West Conference and transitioning into becoming independent before finally entering WAC again following the 2013 season – UVU continues its pursuit towards excellence on the court/field while still striving towards academic excellence off it too! With recent advancements made, such as building a new $8 million sports complex complete with state–of–the–art facilities plus much more – Wolverines look poised to make a statement not just regionally but nationally too! So, if you're looking for a team follow who'll provide plenty of excitement, check out what's happening down south Orem home today's Utah Valley University Wolverines!
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