College Sports Established
1927
Location
Clarksville, Tennessee
College Name
Austin Peay State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1962 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2022 - Present / ASUN Conference
1962 - 2022 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Governors - The Austin Peay Governors are an NCAA Division I athletic program in Clarksville, Tennessee. The school is home to 16 varsity teams that compete in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). While they may be known for their competitive spirit on the field, few people know how they got their nickname.
The story of how Austin Peay State University earned its nickname dates back to 1927 when Governor Austin Peay was elected as governor of Tennessee. During his term, he put forth numerous initiatives and reforms that had a lasting impact on education throughout the state and beyond. His commitment to education led him to become an actual figure at APSU, where he served as president from 1940-1945 before passing away in 1947 due to complications from heart disease. In honor of his legacy, students at APSU began referring to themselves as “Governors,” which eventually stuck with them ever since then!
In addition, there is also some folklore surrounding why exactly this name was chosen by students over other potential nicknames such as “Aggies” or “Patriots,” which were both considered during initial discussions around what moniker should represent APSU athletics moving forward into the future generations! Ultimately, it seems like Governors became synonymous with success after multiple successful seasons over time—a testament, perhaps more than anything else, to why this particular nickname has been embraced so wholeheartedly by fans across all sports programs today!
So next time you cheer on your favorite team, remember: Go Govs!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1937
- 1960
- 2010
- 2017
-
Austin Peay fields its first football team
In 1937, Austin Peay Normal School (now Austin Peay State University) fielded its first football team. The team was coached by James C. “Bill” Dupes and played its home games at Fortera Stadium in Clarksville, Tennessee. The team played a six-game schedule, facing off against regional opponents such as David Lipscomb College, Middle Tennessee State Teachers College, and Murray State ... -
The Austin Peay Governors baseball team wins its first OVC championship
In 1960, the Austin Peay Governors baseball team won its first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship. The team was coached by Joe Morgan and finished the season with a record of 16 wins and 7 losses, including an impressive 11-1 conference record. Led by standout players such as pitcher Jerry Stigall and outfielder Richard “Buster” Fallin, the Governors dominated conference ... -
The Austin Peay Governors football team wins its fifth OVC championship
In 2010, the Austin Peay Governors football team won its fifth Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship. The team was coached by Rick Christophel and finished the season with a record of 7 wins and 5 losses, including a 6-2 record in conference play. Led by quarterback Jake Ryan and running back Terrence Holt, the Governors were dominant on both sides ... -
Will Healy was hired as the head football coach for the Austin Peay Governors
In 2017, Will Healy was hired as the head football coach for the Austin Peay Governors. Healy, a former standout quarterback at the University of Richmond, brought a new energy and enthusiasm to the program. In his first season as head coach, Healy led the Governors to a 7-4 record, marking the team’s first winning season in seven years. The ...
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History of the Governors
For starters, they won multiple Ohio Valley Conference titles in basketball during their first few decades as conference members. Their men's basketball program is incredibly proud to boast three trips to the NCAA Tournament between 1987-1993; two Sweet Sixteen appearances; and an Elite Eight appearance back in 1987 when legendary coach Lake Kelly led his squad to Indianapolis for what was then known as "the Final Four."
In addition to success on hardwood courts around America, Austin Peay has had some memorable moments on other playing surfaces over time – most notably football fields where former quarterback Jake Ryan made school history by becoming just its second player ever drafted into professional ranks (by Tampa Bay Buccaneers). And let’s not forget about baseball either: current head coach Travis Janssen has taken this program from mediocrity into national prominence with four consecutive OVC tournament championships!
Furthermore, Austin Peay continues its tradition today by fielding competitive teams across all sports disciplines, including volleyball, soccer, golf & softball. This year alone saw strong showings at both indoor & outdoor track events and continued excellence within tennis circles. With such a rich legacy behind it, plus recent accomplishments still fresh within memory banks, there’s no doubt that future generations will continue carrying the torch lit so many years ago!
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