College Sports Established
1891
Location
Dover, Delaware
College Name
Delaware State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1970 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1970 - Present / Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Hornets - The Delaware State Hornets have a rich history and a solid fan base, but many may not know the origins of their beloved team's nickname. A local sportswriter named the Delaware State football team "Hornets" in the 1920s. The writer was inspired by the team's tenacity and aggressive playing style, similar to a swarm of hornets. The nickname stuck and has been proudly embraced by the university and its fans.
Not only does the nickname hold a special meaning for the team, but it also has cultural significance for the state of Delaware. The state insect of Delaware is the honey bee, and the honey bee's natural predator is the hornet. This connection to the state's official insect further solidifies the significance of the Hornets' nickname. It represents the team's fierce competitiveness and its deep roots in Delaware.
Over the years, the Delaware State Hornets have proven to be a formidable force in college sports. The nickname "Hornets" has become synonymous with hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. It is a source of pride for both the team and its fans and serves as a constant reminder of the team's origins and the values it stands for. As a dedicated Hornets fan, I am proud to support a team with such a meaningful and iconic nickname, and I look forward to seeing the team continue to soar to new heights.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2005
- 2007
- 2007
- 2022
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Hornets NCAA Participation
The Delaware State Hornets men’s basketball team currently competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Hornets have appeared in the NCAA tournament one time in 2005. Men’s basketball team won the 2005 MEAC championship. The Hornets have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT back to back in 2006 and 2007. They also have appeared in the College Basketball Invitational ... -
Hornet’s to go a long way
The Delaware State Hornets women’s basketball team currently competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Delaware State began play in 1976. They have won one regular season title (2004) and one tournament title (2007). The team won the 2006 MEAC championship and earned a berth in the 2006 NCAA tournament. -
NCAA Appearance after MEAC Win
The Delaware State Hornets football team represents Delaware State University (DSU) at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Delaware State has won 9 conference championships as of the 2020 season. In the 2007 season the Hornets made a school record of 10 wins, their MEAC championship since 1991 and ... -
MEAC-NEC Baseball Merger
The Delaware State Hornets baseball team competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I and is a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC). In the 2022 season, the Hornets had competed in the school’s full-time home of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), but after that season, the MEAC merged its baseball league into that of the NEC.
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 Hornets
One of the most notable moments in the Delaware State Hornets' history was their first-ever football game in 1924 against Lincoln University. This game marked the beginning of a long-standing rivalry between the two schools and set the tone for the Hornets' success in football. Since then, the Hornets have won numerous conference championships and produced several NFL players, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the sport.
In addition to football, the Delaware State Hornets have made their mark in basketball, winning multiple conference titles and producing several NBA players. The Hornets have also excelled in track and field, with their athletes consistently breaking records and winning championships. The university's commitment to providing its student-athletes with top-notch facilities and resources has significantly impacted the team's success. As a Hornet fan, it is exhilarating to witness the continued growth and success of the Delaware State Hornets sports teams, and I am confident that they will continue to make history in the years to come.
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