The Eastern Kentucky Colonels have a celebrated history in collegiate athletics. Both Eastern Kentucky Colonels basketball and Eastern Kentucky University football represent decades of tradition, rivalries, and championships. From legendary coaches to unforgettable players, the Colonels’ story is filled with achievements that continue to inspire fans and strengthen the program’s proud legacy.
College Sports Established
1906
Location
Richmond, Kentucky
College Name
Eastern Kentucky University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1948 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2021 - Present / ASUN Conference
1948 - 2021 / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Colonels - The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are one of the most recognizable teams in NCAA sports, and their nickname has a long history. The team's name is derived from the uniform worn by Colonel William Casey's regiment members during the Civil War.
Eastern Kentucky Colonels Origin
Colonel Casey was an important figure in Eastern Kentucky’s history, serving as a state senator and brigadier general for Union forces during the war. His men wore gray uniforms with red trimming that earned them their distinctive moniker - “The Gray Jackets With Red Trimmings” or simply “the Colonels."
In 1978, when EKU joined Division I athletics, they adopted this nickname to honor Colonel Casey and his service to eastern Kentucky. Today it remains an integral part of school spirit at EKU – from football games where fans don Colonial-style hats to basketball games where students dress up like colonels, complete with wigs! It is also featured prominently on all official Eastern Kentucky University Athletics merchandise, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and more!
Whether you're cheering on your favorite players or celebrating your school pride, make sure you do it wearing red & gray! Go Colonels!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1906
- 1945
- 1981
- 2006
- 2015
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Eastern Kentucky fields its first football team.
In 1906, Eastern Kentucky University (then known as Eastern Kentucky State Normal School) fielded its first football team. The team was coached by W.O. Matthews and consisted of a group of young men who were eager to represent their school in athletic competition. The team played its first game on October 12, 1906, against the Georgetown College Tigers. The game ... -
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels baseball team wins their first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship
In 1945, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels baseball team won their first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship. The team was coached by James Park and consisted of a group of talented players who had worked hard throughout the season to achieve this accomplishment. The team’s success was due in part to the standout performances of several key players, including pitcher Frank ... -
Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team wins their second Division I-AA national championship
In 1981, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels football team won their second Division I-AA national championship. The team was coached by Roy Kidd and had a standout season, finishing with a 13-1 record and a dominating performance in the championship game. Led by quarterback Tim Boyle and running back Mark Higgs, the Eastern Kentucky offense was a force to be reckoned ... -
Matt Witt – Hall of Fame
Witt was a four-year starter at EKU from 2002-2006 and ended his career as Eastern’s all-time leading scorer with 1,832 points. He came to EKU after becoming the only player in the state of Ohio’s rich high school tradition to score more than 2,000 points and hand out more than 500 assists. He made a bang right out of the ... -
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels women’s soccer team wins their first OVC championship
In 2015, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels women’s soccer team won their first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship. The team was coached by Nick Flohre and had a strong season, finishing with an overall record of 12-6-2. Led by standout players like midfielder Emmi Carroll and forward Jordan Foster, the Eastern Kentucky women’s soccer team dominated their opponents throughout the season. ...
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Eastern Kentucky Colonels History
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels trace their athletic roots back to 1906, when the institution began as Eastern Kentucky State Normal School. In 1966 the school officially became Eastern Kentucky University. The Colonels are now a well-known NCAA Division I program in many sports. With both men’s and women’s teams, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels basketball and Eastern Kentucky University football programs are central to the school’s tradition.
Eastern Kentucky University football is among the most accomplished programs in FCS history. The Colonels have won 21 Ohio Valley Conference championships, and have captured two NCAA Division I-AA/FCS national titles (1979 and 1982). Eastern Kentucky University football has made over 20 appearances in the FCS playoffs, tying for the most in FCS history. Their bowl game history includes playing in the 1955 Tangerine Bowl and winning the 1967 Grantland Rice Bowl.
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels basketball program also has a storied past. The Colonels men’s basketball team competes now in the ASUN Conference after many years in the Ohio Valley Conference. They have made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, though they are still seeking their first NCAA tournament win. Their last trip to the NCAA Tournament was in 2014.
It isn’t only the wins that matter—Eastern Kentucky Colonels have produced many notable athletes. For Eastern Kentucky Colonels basketball, the program has had multiple standout players who earned conference honors, and for Eastern Kentucky University football, many players went on to the NFL, and coaches like Roy Kidd became legends. The football stadium is named Roy Kidd Stadium in honor of his contributions.
Colonels Achievements
Eastern Kentucky University football is one of the top programs in FCS: it has won national championships in 1979 and 1982, boasts 21 Ohio Valley Conference titles, and has made 21 playoff appearances in the FCS. The Colonels football team has played in several major postseason games, including bowl games in its earlier history like the 1955 Tangerine Bowl and the 1967 Grantland Rice Bowl.
On the basketball side, Eastern Kentucky Colonels basketball has earned eight NCAA Tournament berths, won multiple regular season titles, and secured many conference tournament championships. Their regular season successes include conference season crowns in both Ohio Valley and most recently in ASUN. The Colonels men’s basketball team continues to build under its current coaching staff and aims to finally post that first NCAA Tournament win.
