The Bowling Green Falcons have a proud legacy in college athletics, showcasing excellence across multiple sports. Their strong presence in Bowling Green Falcons football and Bowling Green Falcons basketball has built a tradition of teamwork and achievement. From championship wins to standout players, the Falcons continue to inspire fans and athletes nationwide.
College Sports Established
1910
Location
Bowling Green, Ohio
College Name
Bowling Green State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1952 - Present / MAC Conference
1942 - 1952 / Independent
1933 - 1942 / Ohio Athletic Conference
1931 - 1933 / Independent
1921 - 1931 / Northwest Ohio League
1919 - 1921 / Independent
Nickname
Falcons - Regarding college sports, few teams have a more unique nickname than the Bowling Green Falcons. But where did this unusual name come from? The answer lies in the university’s history and its connection to falconry.
Bowling Green Falcons Origin
The story of how Bowling Green State University got its nickname dates back to 1910 when two students at what was then known as the Ohio Normal College decided they wanted a mascot that would represent their school spirit. After much deliberation, they settled on an image of a falcon perched atop a shield with wings outstretched—the same logo used by BGSU today!
The choice of the mascot wasn't random either; there were several reasons why these two students chose this particular bird for their school's symbol. For one thing, falcons are powerful creatures known for their strength and speed—qualities that could symbolize athletic prowess and success on the field or court. Additionally, there is also some historical significance behind choosing such an animal: in medieval times, kings often kept trained birds like hawks or eagles (which are both types of falcons) as symbols of power and prestige during hunting expeditions called “falconry” – something that likely resonated with those early students who sought representation through athletics!
Today, BGSU proudly continues using its Falcon emblem across all sporting events; from football games played at Doyt Perry Stadium (named after legendary coach Doyt Perry), basketball matches held inside Anderson Arena (named after former president William Anderson), right down to volleyball tournaments hosted within Stroh Center (after long-time donor Robert Stroh). It is clear that no matter what happens on any given day - win or lose - one thing remains constant: The Falcon will always soar above them all!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1919
- 1951
- 1961
- 2013
-
The Bowling Green football team plays its first season
In 1919, the Bowling Green football team played its first season. At the time, the school was known as Bowling Green Normal College, and the team was made up of just 13 players. Despite the small roster size, the team managed to win its first game of the season, a 34-0 victory over Toledo’s Davis Business College. The team was ... -
The Bowling Green men’s basketball team wins the MAC championship
In 1951, the Bowling Green men’s basketball team won the MAC championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament. The team, led by head coach Harold Anderson, finished the regular season with a record of 16-7, including a 10-2 mark in conference play. In the MAC tournament, Bowling Green defeated Toledo in the semifinals and then knocked off Western Reserve in ... -
Legend Howard Komives
Howard Komives: Komives played for Bowling Green from 1961-1964 and is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,376 points. He was a three-time All-MAC selection and was drafted eighth overall in the 1964 NBA Draft. -
The Bowling Green football team wins the MAC championship and earns a trip to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.
In 2013, the Bowling Green football team won the MAC championship and earned a trip to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The team, led by head coach Dave Clawson, finished the regular season with a record of 10-3, including a 7-1 mark in conference play. In the MAC championship game, Bowling Green faced off against Northern Illinois and emerged with ...
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.
Bowling Green Falcons History
The Bowling Green Falcons have one of the richest histories in NCAA athletics, marked by tradition, dedication, and championship success. Their long-standing rivalry with the Kent State Golden Flashes adds excitement to every season. Since the early 1900s, the Bowling Green Falcons football and Bowling Green Falcons basketball programs have become symbols of pride for Bowling Green State University.
The football legacy truly began with the arrival of legendary head coach Doyt Perry in 1951. Under his leadership, the Bowling Green Falcons football team earned nine Mid-American Conference titles and appeared in seven bowl games, five of which were shutout victories. The team even reached as high as #17 in national rankings, a rare accomplishment for a MAC school during that era.
The Bowling Green Falcons basketball program also established a strong presence in collegiate sports. Under coach Jim Larranaga, the Falcons won three consecutive MAC championships from 1996 to 1998. His leadership later made national headlines when he led George Mason University to a historic NCAA Final Four run in 2006. That same period marked another milestone for Bowling Green as Nate Miller became the first Falcon drafted into the NBA while still an active player.
Green Falcons Achievements
Over the decades, the Bowling Green Falcons have continued to shine across various sports. The football team’s more recent MAC Championship victories and consistent bowl appearances have reinforced its national reputation. Meanwhile, the basketball program remains competitive, producing skilled athletes and memorable performances year after year.
The Falcons’ success extends beyond the field and court. With strong academic standards and passionate fan support, Bowling Green State University continues to be a powerhouse in both athletics and education. Whether it’s the spirit of Bowling Green Falcons football or the energy of Bowling Green Falcons basketball, the Falcons’ legacy remains one of pride, perseverance, and excellence across generations.
