The Eastern Washington Eagles have built a rich legacy in college sports, excelling in both football and basketball. From thrilling victories to standout players, the team’s history reflects dedication, skill, and perseverance. Fans of Eastern Washington Eagles football and Eastern Washington Eagles basketball celebrate their milestones, making the Eagles a respected name in collegiate athletics.
College Sports Established
1901
Location
Cheney, Washington
College Name
Eastern Washington University
Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1901 - 1977 / NAIA
Conference History
1985 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1978 - 1984 / NCAA Division II independent
Nickname
Eagles - The Eastern Washington Eagles are one of the most popular NCAA teams in the Pacific Northwest, and they have a storied history that dates back to 1901. The team has seen its fair share of success, including four Big Sky Conference championships and two FCS National Championships. But many don't know that their nickname also has an interesting origin story.
Eastern Washington Eagles Origin
Student editor George Ahern first referenced “Eagles” as a mascot for Eastern Washington University in his column "Athletic Notes," published on March 28th, 1929, in The Easterner newspaper. In it, he wrote: “Let's give our athletic teams some sort of name or symbol which will be characteristic; something like 'Eagles' would fill this need admirably." This suggestion was taken up by students, who quickly adopted it as their new mascot and began using it for all athletic events at EWU from then onward.
Since then, the Eagle has become synonymous with school spirit at EWU - from football games to pep rallies - with fans proudly supporting current players and alumni! It's no surprise why so many people have grown attached to this beloved bird; after all these years, we can still look up into those clear blue skies above us here in Cheney, WA, knowing that our Eagles soar high above us!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1901
- 1948
- 1991
- 2010
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Eastern Washington Eagles football program is established.
Eastern Washington Eagles football program was established in 1901, making it one of the oldest football programs in the Pacific Northwest. In its early years, the team played against local high schools and other small colleges. The team’s first head coach was Bert Kennedy, who led the team from 1901 to 1902. -
Eastern Washington men’s basketball team wins their first conference championship
In 1948: The Eastern Washington men’s basketball team wins their first conference championship as part of the Evergreen Conference. -
Eastern Washington joins the Big Sky Conference
In 1991, Eastern Washington University moved up to the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) and joined the Big Sky Conference. This move elevated the Eagles’ athletics program to the highest level of collegiate competition. The Eagles football team continued to compete in the Big Sky Conference, and other sports programs also began to compete against tougher opponents in the conference. ... -
Eastern Washington men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2010: The Eastern Washington men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship and participates in the NCAA Tournament.
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 the player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Eastern Washington Eagles History
The Eastern Washington Eagles have a proud history in NCAA athletics, with strong programs in both Eastern Washington Eagles football and Eastern Washington Eagles basketball. Known for their fierce rivalry with the Weber State Wildcats, the Eagles have consistently been among the top teams in the Big Sky Conference. Their journey from early conference championships to national recognition showcases dedication and resilience.
In 1993, the Eastern Washington Eagles basketball team became the second team from their region to earn an NCAA tournament berth. They won two games before losing to eventual national champion North Carolina State University (NCSU). This early success set the stage for future tournament appearances and growing national attention.
The 2004 season marked a milestone as future NBA star Rodney Stuckey led the team under then-coach Shantay Legans. With a 24–7 record, the Eastern Washington Eagles basketball team returned to March Madness, facing NCSU once again. Despite the loss, their performance reflected the program’s rising prominence. The following year, the Eagles earned a second-round matchup on No. 1 seed Gonzaga’s home court but were narrowly defeated by George Mason University (GMU) 62–50.
In 2010, under coach Kirk Earlywine, the Eastern Washington Eagles basketball team advanced past GMU but fell to the Kansas Jayhawks, showing consistent growth in the NCAA tournament. Two years later, Coach Jim Hayford led the Eagles to their most successful run, reaching the Final Four before a close 63–60 loss to Syracuse Orange. This remains a highlight in the program’s NCAA history and a testament to the team’s competitive spirit.
Beyond basketball, the Eastern Washington Eagles football program has also seen remarkable success. The team has captured multiple Big Sky Conference titles and has regularly appeared in postseason play. Their dynamic offense and strong defense have made them a formidable opponent, gaining respect nationally while developing NFL-level talent.
Eagles Achievements
In recent years, the Eastern Washington Eagles football and Eastern Washington Eagles basketball teams have continued to excel. The basketball team won the 2018 Big Sky Tournament and finished as runner-up in 2019. The football squad has consistently ranked among the top in the conference, claiming regular-season championships and maintaining a strong presence in the FCS playoffs.
The Eastern Washington Eagles remain a dominant force in college sports. With a history of tournament appearances, conference titles, and standout players, the Eagles’ legacy continues to grow. Fans of Eastern Washington Eagles football and Eastern Washington Eagles basketball celebrate their achievements and look forward to future seasons filled with victories and milestones.
