College Sports Established
1855
Location
Colorado Springs, Colorado
College Name
United States Air Force Academy
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1925 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1980 – 1999 / Western Athletic Conference
1955 – 1979 / Independent
Nickname
Falcons - The Air Force Falcons are one of the most storied teams in college sports. As a member of the NCAA, they have been competing since 1957 and have earned numerous accolades throughout their history. But what is the origin story behind their nickname?
The name “Falcons” has its roots in military aviation, as it was first used to describe fighter pilots during World War I. During that period, squadrons were often referred to by birds such as hawks or falcons due to their speed and agility while flying through enemy territory. This connection between air power and bird names eventually became a popular culture, with movies like Top Gun using this same concept for naming their characters’ aircraft (Maverick being an F-14 Tomcat).
In 1954, when Air Force became a separate service branch from Army after WWII, they had no official mascot yet. Hence, they adopted a falcon based on these earlier associations with military aviators. The original design featured two wings coming out from either side of an eagle head, symbolizing strength through unity – something still seen today on many USAF insignias, including those worn by active duty personnel worldwide! And thus began decades of tradition associated with cheering on The Falcons at football games across America!
So whether you're rooting for your favorite team or just looking back at some fascinating history lessons about our nation's armed forces, be sure not to forget how far we've come thanks in part due to those brave men & women who serve us all proudly every day - Go Falcons!!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1979
- 1996
- 2003
- 2012
- 2010
-
Training Years for Coach Gregg Popovich
Popovich returned to the Air Force Academy as an assistant coach in 1973 under head coach Hank Egan, a position he held for six years. Egan later became an assistant coach under Popovich for the San Antonio Spurs. During his time with the coaching staff of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Popovich attended the University of Denver and earned his ... -
Falcons Joined MWC
In 1996: The football team joins the newly formed Mountain West Conference (MWC), winning its first conference title in 1998. -
Falcon’s football team wins its third MWC title
In 2003: The football team finishes with a 12-1 record and a No. 20 ranking in the AP poll, winning its third MWC title and defeating Colorado State in the San Francisco Bowl. Quarterback Chance Harridge sets an NCAA record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 22. -
Falcon’s basketball team reaches its second NCAA Tournament
In 2012: The basketball team reaches its second NCAA Tournament, losing to Michigan State in the first round -
The Falcons Football wins Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy
In 2010: The football team finishes with a 9-4 record and defeats Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl. The Falcons win their first Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy since 2002, awarded to the winner of the annual series among Air Force, Army, and Navy.
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 Falcons
Air Force's success began with its football program in 1956 when it won its first conference championship and debuted at the Orange Bowl that same year. Since then, they've won three more conference titles (1960, 1998 & 2002) and two bowl games (1985 Liberty Bowl & 2004 Emerald Bowl). The Falcons also boast seven Hall of Fame inductees, including Heisman Trophy winner Chad Hennings, who played defensive end from 1985-1988 before becoming an All-Pro NFL player with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989–2000.
Over the years, Air Force's basketball program has seen similar success, winning five regular season championships since joining Division I play back in the 1973–74 season, along with four NCAA tournament appearances throughout its history, most recently making it all way up the Sweet Sixteen round during 2017–18 campaign where they were eventually eliminated by eventual champions Villanova Wildcats despite putting up a valiant effort against a much taller opponent. They also had multiple players drafted into the NBA, such as Mike Phelps, who was selected by Atlanta Hawks's 1991 draft out of a college career, which saw him score 1 788 points while averaging double digits each of his four seasons playing for Falcon squad.
Outside the hardwood court, the hockey team has been another source of pride in school, having appeared in Frozen Four six times since joining the WCHA league in 1957; although never able to capture the national title, it still managed to make deep runs on a few occasions losing semifinal matchups on both 1984 2005 respectively. Lastly, the soccer club is no slouch either, having earned 10 trips to Big Dance between 1996 and 2018 while boasting numerous All-Americans throughout its storied tenure campus Colorado Springs facility known as Clune Arena, home to many athletic events held on university grounds annually, drawing large crowds of passionate fans cheering support favorite teams every game day weekend long!
Sports Fan Products
