College Sports Established
1802
Location
West Point, New York
College Name
United States Military Academy
Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1990 - Present / Patriot League
1981 - 1990 / Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
1978 - 1981 / Independent
Nickname
Black Knights - The Army Black Knights are one of the most iconic NCAA teams in the country. Their long and storied history has become synonymous with college athletics, and their nickname is just as famous. But where did it come from?
It all began during World War I when members of West Point's Corps of Cadets were given black armbands to wear over their uniforms to symbolize mourning for those who had died in battle. The cadets soon adopted the name "Black Knights," and it stuck ever since then!
Since then, there have been many interpretations of what precisely this nickname stands for - some believe it represents strength. In contrast, others think it's associated with courage or honor on the battlefield. Whatever your opinion, there is no denying that "Black Knight" has become an integral part of the Army's identity over time - even appearing on team jerseys today!
While other schools such as Notre Dame (Fighting Irish) or Syracuse (Orange) changed their nicknames throughout history due to changing times/societal norms, Army has stayed true to its roots by keeping theirs consistent since WWI days – making them one unique example amongst collegiate sports teams nationwide!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 5
1946, 1945, 1944, 1916, 1914
Soccer 0
- 1912
- 1963
- 1999
- 2018
-
President of the United States in Army Black Knights Football Team
President of the United States and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower and General of the Army Omar Bradley were on the 1912 Army football team. Eisenhower was injured and his football career was over by 1913, when the two future generals were juniors. Bradley, a star of the Army baseball team for four years, was on the field ... -
Black Knights Appearances in NCAA tournment
Army has appeared in 12 NCAA Tournaments, including four College Cup appearances. Their most recent performance came in 1996. Their combined NCAA record is 10–12–1. The first appearance was back in 1963 -
Naming of Army Black Knights
Since 1899, Army’s mascot has officially been a mule because of the animal’s historical importance in military operations. For many years, Army’s teams were known as the “Cadets.” The academy’s football team was nicknamed “The Black Knights of the Hudson” due to the black color of its uniforms. In 1999, Army adopted “Black Knights” as its official nickname in all ... -
Lambert Trophy Winner
The Lambert-Meadowlands Trophy (known as the Lambert Trophy), established in 1936, is an annual award given to the best team in the East in Division I FBS (formerly I-A) college football and is presented by the Metropolitan New York Football Writers. Army has won the Lambert Trophy nine times; seven times under head coach Earl “Red” Blaik in the 1940s ...
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 Black Knights
The team began at West Point Military Academy, playing its first game against Rutgers University in 1890. They would go on to win that game by a score of 6-4, and it marked the beginning of an incredible legacy that has spanned generations since then. The program quickly rose through the ranks. It was eventually granted membership into what is now known as Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) during World War II when many other schools were unable or unwilling to compete due to wartime restrictions placed upon them by President Roosevelt’s administration at home.
Throughout its long history, Army has seen some great successes, including three National Championships (1944, 1945 & 1946), eight conference titles (the last one being back in 1996), four Heisman Trophy winners - Doc Blanchard ('45), Glenn Davis ('46) Pete Dawkins('58) & Chris Cagle('94). On top of these accomplishments, they have also produced numerous NFL players such as former Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, who played for Washington Redskins from 1986-1989, along with current stars like Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Chicago Bears' Kyle Long & New Orleans Saints Terron Armstead just name few!
While much about college sports is changing rapidly today due largely thanks to technological advances which allow fans to access games more efficiently than ever before, one thing remains constant. No matter how successful any individual team may become this year or next, there will always be something special about watching an Army Black Knight football match, which can never detract from us all!
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