College Sports Established
1843
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
College Name
College of the Holy Cross
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1986 - Present / Patriot League
1983 - 1986 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
1939 - 1983 / Independent
Nickname
Crusaders - The Holy Cross Crusaders have been a powerhouse in NCAA sports for decades, and their nickname is steeped in history. The name's origins can be traced to the 12th century when Pope Urban II called on Christians to take up arms against Muslim forces occupying Jerusalem. Those who answered his call became known as “Crusaders” – warriors fighting for God and country – and many were members of religious orders such as the Knights Templar or Hospitallers.
In 1843, Rev. Thomas Furlong founded the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, to provide a quality education rooted in faith-based principles that could prepare students for lives dedicated to service both within their communities and beyond its borders. He chose “Crusader” as its mascot to keep this missional spirit. This symbol still stands today, representing courage, strength, and commitment among athletes at all levels, from Division I basketball teams down through intramural competitors alike!
As an avid fan, you know that while other teams come & go over time, Holy Cross remains steadfastly committed to on-field performance and off-field values like integrity & respect, which make it one of most beloved programs across the college athletics landscape! So next time you cheer your favorite team, remember they are more than just players wearing Crusader uniforms: they embody traditional honor sacrifice so proudly displayed by those medieval knights long ago... Go, Crusaders!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
1952
Men's Basketball 1
1947
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1890
- 1962
- 1972
- 2016
- 2021
-
The Early Days of Holy Cross Athletics
In 1843, College of the Holy Cross is founded in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1890, Holy Cross fields its first football team. -
Gordie Lockbaum: A Holy Cross Legend
Gordie Lockbaum’s Historic Two-Way Season (1962). Gordie Lockbaum becomes the only player to earn two-way All-American honors in the same season, playing both offense and defense for Holy Cross. -
Holy Cross joins the newly formed Patriot League.
in 1972 Holy Cross joins the newly formed Patriot League, competing in NCAA Division I. -
Holy Cross Basketball NCAA
in 2016 Holy Cross men’s basketball team earns NCAA tournament bid for the first time in 10 years. -
Holy Cross baseball team
in 2021 Holy Cross baseball team competes in first-ever Patriot League 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 player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Crusaders
The Holy Cross Crusaders have a long and storied history in NCAA sports. Founded in 1843, the school has been competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics for over 170 years. The Crusaders are members of the Patriot League and compete in Division I FCS football and men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and more.
The team is best known for their success on the gridiron, winning three national championships (1947-48-49) under legendary coach Eddie Anderson who was inducted into both the College Football Hall Of Fame & National Football Foundation Hall Of Fame. In addition to these titles, they also had multiple undefeated seasons during this era, including an 8–0 season with no ties or losses earned them a Lambert Cup trophy which recognizes teams from east coast schools who perform exceptionally well against competition from all across America.
Throughout its history, Holy Cross has made many trips to post-season bowl games, including five appearances in major bowls such as Orange Bowls (1950), Sugar Bowls (1972 & 1973), and Gator Bowls(1977). They’ve also appeared four times each at Tangerine/Citrus Bowls (1975&1978) and Liberty Bowl (1979&1980). This record makes them one of only two nonpower 5 conference teams to make it into a significant bowl game more than once since 1966, when college football went through massive expansion due to its current form today!
Beyond just winning games, though, there is something special about being part of a program like Holy Cross that goes beyond wins or losses: It’s about tradition; It’s about loyalty, it’s about pride – all things you can feel when attending any Crusader sporting event, whether home or away! With so much rich tradition behind them, there isn't any doubt why fans keep coming back year after year - Go, Crusaders!!
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