The Central Arkansas Bears represent the University of Central Arkansas with a proud sports legacy. Over the years, Central Arkansas Bears football and Central Arkansas Bears basketball have built strong reputations for competitive spirit and success. This history page highlights their key milestones, memorable seasons, and the growth of both programs within collegiate athletics.
College Sports Established
1907
Location
Conway, Arkansas
College Name
University of Central Arkansas
Collegiate History
2021 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2021 - Present / ASUN Conference
Nickname
Bears - The Central Arkansas Bears are among the most successful teams in NCAA Division I athletics. The team is known for its strong performance on the field and its unique nickname. But where did this nickname come from?
Central Arkansas Bears Origin
The origin story behind the Central Arkansas Bears dates back to 1915 when four students at what was then called Arkadelphia Normal School decided they wanted a mascot that would represent their school spirit and embody their school’s commitment to excellence. After much debate, they settled on a bear cub taken from nearby Ouachita National Forest. They named it “Bruin” after legendary football coach Hugo Bezdek who had just been hired by Arkadelphia Normal School that same year.
Over time, Bruin became an essential part of campus life, with his presence being felt during sporting events and other activities around campus. Eventually, he even received his official uniform! In 1925, Bruin officially became the university's mascot when it changed its name to the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Since then, UCA has embraced Bruin as their beloved symbol - so much so that in 2007 UCA adopted "Central Arkansas Bears" as its official athletic moniker!
Today you can find fans wearing all sorts of apparel featuring Bruin's face or logo and “Go Bears!" chants ringing out across all sports venues throughout central Arkansas – showing how far this unique nickname came over nearly 100 years ago!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2008
- 2010
- 2013
- 2017
- 2019
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Central Arkansas Bears Win Gulf South Basketball Title
In 2008, the Central Arkansas Bears men’s basketball team won the Gulf South Conference championship. The team finished the regular season with a 13-5 conference record, which earned them a share of the conference title. In the conference tournament, held from March 5-9, 2008, the Bears won three straight games to claim the championship. In the championship game, they defeated ... -
Scottie Pippen – Hall of Fame
One of the most famous players to come out of the Central Arkansas Bears program is Scottie Pippen. Pippen played for the Bears from 1983-1987, and was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection during his college career. After leaving Central Arkansas, Pippen went on to have a highly successful career in the NBA, where he won six ... -
The Central Arkansas Bears women’s soccer team wins the Southland Conference championship
In 2013, the Central Arkansas Bears women’s soccer team won the Southland Conference championship. The team finished the regular season with a 9-1-1 conference record, which earned them the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament. In the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Bears faced off against the University of Oklahoma Sooners, ... -
Central Arkansas Wins Southland Football Title
In 2017, the Central Arkansas Bears football team won the Southland Conference championship. The team finished the regular season with an 8-1 conference record, which earned them the conference title and a spot in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, the Bears faced off against the University of New Hampshire ... -
Central Arkansas Bears Win Sun Belt Soccer Title
In 2019, the Central Arkansas Bears men’s soccer team won the Sun Belt Conference championship. The team finished the regular season with a 7-3-2 conference record, which earned them the #2 seed in the conference tournament. In the championship game, held on November 16, 2019, the Bears faced off against the Georgia State Panthers. After a scoreless regulation and overtime, ...
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Central Arkansas Bears History
The Central Arkansas Bears football program traces back over a century, evolving from small college competition to the NCAA Division I FCS level. Before moving into Division I, the Bears won three NAIA national championships (1984, 1985, 1991). In 2006 the Bears joined the Southland Conference for Central Arkansas Bears football, marking a new era of competition.
Meanwhile, Central Arkansas Bears basketball has its roots in NAIA, then NCAA Division II, before transitioning to Division I in 2006. At the Division II level, UCA earned postseason appearances; however at Division I, the Bears men’s basketball team has not yet qualified for the NCAA men’s Division I tournament.
The rivalry traditions of the Bears are storied. For example, the Red Beans and Rice Bowl with McNeese State is a named rivalry in Central Arkansas Bears football, having been played multiple times with tightly contested outcomes. Also, UCA’s matchups vs. Arkansas Razorbacks in earlier decades, across sports, remind of how deeply embedded the Bears are in Arkansas’s athletic history. University of Central Arkansas
Bears Achievements
In Central Arkansas Bears football, the Bears have notched several conference titles since moving to Division I‐FCS. They won Southland Conference championships in 2008, 2012, and 2017. In 2017 in particular, the Bears went 9–0 in Southland play and advanced to the FCS Playoffs Second Round. The football program has made multiple FCS playoff appearances with wins and has maintained a strong record over recent seasons.
For Central Arkansas Bears basketball, although the men’s team has yet to reach the Division I NCAA Tournament, the program has past success in NAIA and Division II tournaments. The Bears have won many regular season and conference titles at lower levels, built their coaching staff, and improved in recruiting since joining Division I, showing steady growth.
Most recently, Central Arkansas Bears football were ASUN co‐champions in 2022, showing competitive strength in their division. The Bears’ 2023 season also saw solid performance under stable coaching leadership.
In basketball, Central Arkansas Bears basketball programs continue to develop depth and talent. The men's team competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) since 2021. Coaching hires and non‐conference scheduling have aimed to raise the profile and competitiveness of UCA in Division I. Expanded recruiting has brought in players capable of pushing for postseason qualification.
With this legacy—strong Central Arkansas Bears football and Central Arkansas Bears basketball history—UCA stands poised to make deeper runs in playoffs and tournaments. The Bears’ programs combine tradition with ambition, making the future bright for fans and the school alike.
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