History of the Dukes
The James Madison Dukes are the intercollegiate athletics teams that represent James Madison University (JMU), in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The name "Dukes" is derived from Samuel Page Duke, the university's second president. The Dukes play as members of the Sun Belt Conference. JMU was a charter member of the Colonial Athletic Association, which sponsors sports at the NCAA Division I level. In football, JMU participates in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of Division I, formerly known as Division I-A. The Dukes officially left the CAA and joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2022, participating in Division I FBS football and other sports sponsored by the conference.
The university mascot, Duke Dog, is frequently seen at all sporting events, and the school colors are royal purple and gold. JMU has won five NCAA national championships, third-most among Virginia colleges and universities.
College Sports Established
1908
Location
Harrisonburg, Virginia
College Name
James Madison University
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / Sun Belt Conference
1979 - 2022 / Colonial Athletic Association
Nickname
Dukes - In all likelihood, James Madison University is the only college or university in the country whose athletic teams draw their nickname from the name of the school's president.
Men first enrolled at Madison College as regular session students following World War II as a result of a request to the college from the Veterans Administration. Thirty-nine men enrolled in 1946 and 101 during the 1947-48 session.
President Samuel P. Duke
Duke Dog's Namesake Madison's second president Dr. Samuel P. Duke
The first men's basketball team was formed in 1947 and the players chose the nickname “The Dukes,” in honor of Madison President Samuel P. Duke. The players told President Duke they would name their team for him if he'd provide them with towels and equipment.
About the same time, the women's teams began calling themselves the “Duchesses.” Women's teams in earlier years had gone by a variety of names. The name “Duchesses” was dropped in 1982 when all JMU teams became the “Dukes.”
When the men's intercollegiate athletic program began its rapid expansion in the 1970s, the need arose for a mascot that could be used to generate spirit. There really wasn't any way to turn a “Duke” into a mascot that would engender enthusiasm among students, alumni and other fans.
Dr. Ray Sonner (right), originator of the Duke Dog, with President Ronald E. Carrier at the dedication of Sonner Hall in 1990.
Dr. Ray Sonner (right), originator of the Duke Dog, with President Ronald E. Carrier at the dedication of Sonner Hall in 1990.
The idea for the Duke Dog came from Dr. Ray V. Sonner, then director of public affairs. (Sonner later became vice president for university relations and senior vice president. Sonner Hall on campus is named in his honor.)
Sonner's rationale was that the stereotypical pet for British royalty, such as a duke, would be an English bulldog. Duke Dog was born.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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.