College Sports Established
1849
Location
New Britain, Connecticut
College Name
Central Connecticut State University
Collegiate History
1993 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1998 - Present / Northeast Conference
1993 - 1996 / Independent
Nickname
Blue Devils - As we gear up for another exciting season of Central Connecticut Blue Devils sports, let's take a moment to dive into the origins of the team's iconic nickname.
The Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) athletic teams have been known as the Blue Devils since the early 1930s. But how did this nickname come about?
Legend has it that the name was inspired by a fierce storm that hit the campus in the 1930s. The storm was so powerful that it caused the school's iconic clock tower to turn blue. This event caught the attention of the students and they started referring to themselves as the "Blue Devils".
However, the official story behind the nickname's origin dates back to 1928. The school's first football coach, J. Edward Dunn, wanted to create a unique identity for the team. He turned to the school's Greek mythology course for inspiration and came across the story of the Blue Devil.
In Greek mythology, the Blue Devil is a powerful and cunning creature that represents strength, agility, and determination. Coach Dunn believed that this name perfectly embodied the spirit of his team and thus, the Blue Devils were born.
Since then, the nickname has stuck and has become a source of pride for CCSU athletes and fans alike. The Blue Devil mascot, a fierce and intimidating figure, can be seen at every game, rallying the crowd and boosting team spirit.
Over the years, the Blue Devils have lived up to their name, dominating in various sports such as basketball, football, and soccer. The men's basketball team has won multiple Northeast Conference championships and made several appearances in the NCAA tournament. The football team has also had its fair share of success, with multiple conference titles and playoff appearances.
As the Blue Devils continue to make their mark in the sports world, the nickname has become synonymous with the school's athletic excellence. It has also become a symbol of unity and pride for the CCSU community.
In recent years, the Blue Devils have embraced their nickname even further by incorporating it into their logo and team uniforms. The iconic blue and white colors of the team also pay homage to the Blue Devil origins.
So, the next time you cheer on the Central Connecticut Blue Devils, remember the rich history and meaning behind their nickname. It is a testament to the team's strength, determination, and unwavering spirit.
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 Blue Devils
The Blue Devils sports program was first established in 1934 and was known as the New Britain Teachers College. In its early years, the team competed in various sports such as basketball, baseball, and football. However, it wasn't until 1960 that the team officially adopted the name "Blue Devils" and became a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The 1970s marked a significant turning point for the Blue Devils as they joined the Division II level of the NCAA. This move proved to be beneficial as the team found success in various sports, including men's and women's basketball, soccer, and track and field. The men's basketball team, in particular, had a dominant run in the 1970s, winning three straight NCAA Division II championships from 1972 to 1974.
In 1986, the Blue Devils made the jump to Division I, and it was a decision that would shape the future of the program. The men's basketball team continued to have success, winning the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship in 2000 and 2002. The women's basketball team also made their mark, winning the NEC championship in 2005 and 2006.
The 2000s were a golden era for the Blue Devils as they continued to dominate in various sports. The men's soccer team won their first NEC championship in 2007, and the women's soccer team followed suit in 2014. The baseball team also had a historic run, winning the NEC championship in 2010 and 2017.
Aside from team success, the Blue Devils have also produced many talented individual athletes. In 2003, track and field athlete Craig Lynch became the first Blue Devil to win an individual NCAA championship in the 400-meter dash. In 2010, baseball player, Pat Epps, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 14th round of the MLB draft.
Today, the Blue Devils continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the NEC. The men's basketball team has won four NEC championships since 2007, and the women's basketball team has won three.
Sports Fan Products
