College Sports Established
1754
Location
New York, New York
College Name
Columbia University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1954 - Present / Ivy League
Nickname
Lions - The Columbia Lions have been a powerhouse in the NCAA for decades, but few fans know the origins of their iconic nickname. The name dates back to 1896 when an alumnus of Columbia College (now known as Columbia University) suggested that its athletic teams be called “Lions” in honor of his alma mater’s Latin motto: “In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen" ("In Thy light, we shall see the light").
The lion symbolizes strength and courage, which is fitting, given the team's impressive track record. Since then, they've won numerous championships, including football and basketball. They are consistently ranked among the top universities nationwide regarding collegiate athletics' success.
Their mascot has become integral to school spirit, with students often wearing lion costumes or sporting face paint at games and rallies! No wonder this proud animal symbolizes everything that makes up a true Columbian – strength, pride, and commitment to excellence on both sides off-and-on the field!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1900
- 1910
- 1996
- 2017
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founding members of the Ivy League
In 1900 Columbia University becomes one of the founding members of the Ivy League, a conference of eight prestigious universities in the Northeastern United States. -
The Columbia Lions football team wins the first-ever Rose Bowl
The 1910 Rose Bowl was the first postseason college football game in history, and it featured the Columbia Lions from the East Coast and the University of Oregon from the West Coast. The game was played on January 1, 1910, at Tournament Park in Pasadena, California, in front of a crowd of around 8,500 spectators. Columbia came into the game ... -
Legend Marcellus Wiley
Marcellus Wiley: Defensive end for the Columbia Lions football team from 1992-1996. Wiley went on to have a successful NFL career, earning a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors during his time with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars. -
Lions men’s basketball team wins its first-ever Ivy League championship
In 2017 The Columbia Lions men’s basketball team wins its first-ever Ivy League championship and earns a spot in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1968.
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 Lions
Since joining Division I in 1954, Columbia has made its mark with numerous conference titles across all major sports disciplines, notably men’s basketball (four Ivy League Championships) and baseball (five). On top of this impressive list of accomplishments lies a proud tradition built through decades worth of student-athletes who have proudly represented their school on national stages like March Madness or College World Series tournaments.
Columbia’s athletic program continues to be one that can compete at any level while maintaining academic excellence amongst its student body—a testament that both current students and alumni alike can take pride in knowing they are partaking in something extraordinary when they don their blue & white uniforms each season! As we move forward into another year full of potential successes for our beloved Lions, we must celebrate what we've achieved and remember where these amazing feats began: right here at good ol' Alma Mater!
Sports Fan Products
