College Sports Established
1844
Location
Albany, New York
College Name
University at Albany
Collegiate History
1999 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2001 - Present / America East Conference
1999 - 2001 / Independent
Nickname
Great Danes - The Albany Great Danes Sports fans know that their beloved team has a unique name and mascot. But do you know how they got their nickname? The Albany Great Danes story is steeped in history, tradition, and pride.
The origins of “Great Dane” began back in 1891 when two former college athletes, Franklin Cappon and William, founded the school’s first athletic club called “the Big Nine” or simply “Nine Men.” This group would later become the Albany College Athletic Union (ACAU). In 1895, ACAU officially adopted its current moniker: The University at Albany Athletics Department (UAA).
In 1901, UAA joined forces with another local university to form what was then known as New York State College for Teachers (NYSCT), which eventually became part of the SUNY system in 1948. With this new partnership came a new nickname: The Great Danes! It wasn't until 1923 that "Danes" was formally adopted by NYSCT's teams after it had been informally used since 1904 due to an abundance of Danish immigrants living near campus during those years.
Throughout all these changes, one thing remained constant—the spirit behind why this incredible school chose such an iconic animal to represent them–strength & courage! From competing on some level since 1891 up through today's Division I athletics program – Go DANES!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2002
- 2004
- 2006
- 2013
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First NEC Championship
In 2002, Ford’s team had its first big successful season at the Division I level. The Great Danes, led by running-back Gary Jones, would win the program’s first-ever Northeast Conference title. They would go on to defeat unbeaten Duquesne in the 2002 ECAC Bowl. Jones would set the single-season rushing record mark with 1,509 yards (1,380 m) and scoring a ... -
2004 Record-Breaking Season
It played its first season in Division I in 2000, also hiring head coach Jon Mueller that year. After competing as an independent in 2000 and in the New York State Baseball Conference in 2001, it played its first season in the America East in 2002. In 2004, the Great Danes set a program record with 37 wins and reached ... -
Albany Great Danes Won the America East
On March 11, 2006, the men’s basketball team won the America East conference tournament, earning the school (and the SUNY system) its first-ever berth to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, defeating the University of Vermont 80–67 in a sold-out RACC. The Great Danes were seeded #16 in the Washington, D.C., region and were matched up against top-seeded UConn. ... -
2012–13 Undefeated Season
The Great Danes dominated all conference opposition in the 2012–13 season with a 27–4 overall record, winning all games against America East opponents including 16 regular season games and all league championship contests. UAlbany became the first team to go undefeated in the America East and win the conference since the 1995–96 season. Abrahamson-Henderson earned America East Coach of the ...
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History of the Great Danes
In recent years, Albany has continued its tradition of success with teams competing at both the men’s and women’s levels. The men’s soccer team won back-to-back America East titles in 2008 and 2009 while making three consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament from 2007-2009; they were regular season champions five times between 2005-2011. In addition, their basketball teams have enjoyed plenty of success over recent seasons with four 20-win campaigns since 2011 – including a trip to March Madness for head coach Will Brown's squad last year!
Albany is no stranger to individual accolades either - many athletes have earned All-American honors throughout various sports. In contrast, others like former football player EJ Manuel (a 1st round NFL draft pick) or current volleyballer Laini Leindecker (who was named America East Player of the Year) are just two examples that demonstrate how much talent resides within this university's athletics programs!
Overall, there is plenty for fans of all kinds – whether you're into football or volleyball – to be proud of what these Great Danes bring each season on fields/courts across upstate New York & beyond! So, if you're looking for something exciting & competitive, look no further than your local University: Go Great Danes!!
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