The Binghamton Bearcats have built a proud tradition in collegiate athletics, representing Binghamton University with passion and excellence. Known for standout performances in Binghamton Bearcats baseball and Binghamton Bearcats basketball, the program has earned conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and produced talented athletes who have excelled both on the field and in the classroom over the years.
College Sports Established
1946
Location
Vestal, New York
College Name
Binghamton University
Collegiate History
2001 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2001 - Present / America East Conference
Nickname
Bearcats - The Binghamton Bearcats are a well-known college sports team that has been around for over 100 years. But where did the name come from? The origins of the nickname go back to 1914 when then-President of Binghamton College (now known as Binghamton University) Elmer B. Cleveland decided to change their mascot from “the Orangemen” to something more appropriate for an upstate New York school: “the Bearcats.”
Binghamton Bearcats Origin
At first, it was thought that President Cleveland chose this new nickname because he had seen a bearcat while hunting in the Adirondacks during his summer vacation before taking office at BC. However, after further research into archives and newspaper clippings about President Cleveland's life and career, it was revealed that he named them after his alma mater - Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio - who was nicknamed "The Fighting Tigers" at the time but also went by "Bear Cats." This makes sense since both schools' teams use orange as one of their primary colors! In addition to being inspired by another university's mascot name, historians also speculate that President Cleveland wanted something fierce yet lovable enough so fans could cheer on without fear or intimidation – hence why they chose such an adorable creature like a bearcat!
Despite its cuddly exterior, don't let anyone fool you; these Bearcats are still ferocious competitors no matter what sport they play or against whom! So next time you see them out on the court/field/track, show your support with some good old-fashioned cheering and maybe even bring along your stuffed animal version if you can find one.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2001
- 2007
- 2009
-
Sports Conference Entry
On April 18, 2001, was officially admitted as a member of the America East Conference. In all sports other than wrestling and golf, which were not sponsored by the America East. -
Bearcat Sports Complex Evolution
Opened in the Fall of 2007, the Bearcat Sports Complex features two artificial turf fields for soccer and lacrosse. One field is intended primarily for competition and the other for practice. Additional features include night lighting, over 2,500 seats for the competition field and 1,000 for the practice field, a concession stand, and bathrooms. In 2009, the Tau Alpha Upsilon ... -
NCAA Tournament Debut
Binghamton defeated UMBC 61–51 in the America East Tournament Championship Game and made their first appearance in the NCAA tournament, earning the 15 seed and losing to second-seeded Duke in the first round.
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.
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Binghamton Bearcats History
The Binghamton Bearcats have developed one of the most recognizable athletic traditions in the America East Conference. Starting as an NCAA Division III program and progressing to Division I status in 2001, the Binghamton Bearcats have continually built a reputation for competitive excellence. They have forged spirited rivalries with conference foes, especially New Hampshire, and remain a strong force in multiple sports.
The Binghamton Bearcats basketball program began in 1946 when the university was still Harpur College. Men’s basketball quickly brought campus-wide attention, capturing three consecutive conference titles from 1947 to 1949. This early success helped establish a foundation that would later support the transition into Division I play, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2009 that placed the program on the national stage.
The Binghamton Bearcats baseball program also holds a proud place in school history. Baseball dominated the mid-20th century by winning five league championships between 1949 and 1959. Under legendary coach Carl “Scoop” Sterns, who led both basketball and baseball from 1950 to 1970, the Bearcats nurtured standout athletes such as Don McHenry in basketball, Lou Kowalewski in baseball, and John Leggio in football—names that continue to inspire current student-athletes.
Since moving to Division I, the Binghamton Bearcats have expanded their success in several sports. The Binghamton Bearcats basketball team has earned multiple postseason appearances and solidified its standing in the America East. Meanwhile, Binghamton Bearcats baseball has produced professional-caliber talent, captured conference titles, and regularly competed for NCAA Tournament berths, reinforcing the program’s national reputation.
Bearcats Achievements
Beyond those headline sports, the Binghamton Bearcats have achieved significant milestones in soccer, track & field, tennis, and wrestling, showcasing the university’s balanced approach to athletics. Their commitment to academic excellence also stands out, with student-athletes earning all-conference academic honors year after year.
Today, the Binghamton Bearcats represent determination and growth, offering fans exciting action and memorable performances. Whether on the court in Binghamton Bearcats basketball games or on the diamond in Binghamton Bearcats baseball, the program continues to build on its legacy of championships, rivalries, and community pride—solidifying its status as one of the America East Conference’s cornerstone institutions.
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