College Sports Established
1870
Location
Chicago, Illinois
College Name
Loyola University Chicago
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
2013 - 2022 / Missouri Valley Conference
1979 - 2013 / Horizon League
Nickname
Ramblers - The Loyola Ramblers are one of college basketball's most storied programs, with a history that dates back to the 1920s. But what many fans may not know is the exciting story behind their nickname.
The name "Rambler" was first used in 1923 by members of Loyola University's student newspaper, The Maroon. According to legend, they chose it because they wanted something that reflected the team’s adventurous spirit and willingness to travel far and wide for games against other schools.
In addition to being an apt description for a traveling sports team, "Rambler" also has religious roots in Catholicism—the faith associated with Loyola University Chicago since its founding in 1870 by Jesuit priests from Europe. In Catholic tradition, rambling refers to wandering on pilgrimages or spiritual quests; pilgrims were known as ramblers long before sports teams adopted this moniker!
That same year (1923), another school—Marian College (now Marian University) located just outside Indianapolis—also began using “Ramblers” as their official athletic nickname when they joined forces with nearby St Joseph College under one athletic department banner: “St Joseph-Marian Ramblers." While there is no direct evidence linking these two teams' nicknames together at this time, it would be hard not to believe there wasn't some connection given how close geographically both institutions were located.
Today, both universities continue proudly carry on their respective Rambler traditions —and while neither can claim exclusive ownership over this famous moniker, each institution had undoubtedly embraced it wholeheartedly and made sure future generations understand why exactly those who came before they chose such an appropriate name.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 1
1963
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1926
- 1949
- 1963
- 2015
- 2018
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Loyola’s men’s basketball team plays its first game
In 1926: Loyola’s men’s basketball team plays its first game, a 30-22 victory over the Chicago Daily News. -
Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship
In 1949: Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship, defeating the San Francisco Dons 61-59 in the title game. -
Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship
In 1963: Loyola’s men’s basketball team wins the NCAA championship, defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats 60-58 in overtime in the title game. The team’s starting lineup, which included four black players, is credited with helping to break down racial barriers in college basketball. -
Jerry Harkness – Inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
One of the most famous Loyola Ramblers athletes is basketball player Jerry Harkness. He played for Loyola in the early 1960s and was a key member of the team that won the NCAA championship in 1963. Harkness was also a trailblazer, as he and his teammates helped to break down racial barriers in college basketball by playing an integrated style ... -
Loyola Ramblers women’s soccer team wins its fifth conference championship
In 2018: Loyola Ramblers women’s soccer team wins its fifth conference championship in the Missouri Valley Conference and makes its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they lose in the first round to Wisconsin.
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 Ramblers
The Loyola Ramblers are a storied college sports team with an impressive NCAA history. Founded in 1912, the Ramblers have been competing in Division I athletics since 1963 and have become one of the most successful teams in their conference. Over the years, they’ve won numerous titles and honors, including two NCAA championships (1963 & 1985), five Final Four appearances (1963-1965, 1985 & 2018), and twelve regular season conference titles.
Throughout its existence, Loyola has seen many great athletes come through its ranks; some became professional players or coaches, while others had successful careers outside of basketball, such as NBA Hall Of Famer George Gervin, who played for them from 1970-1972. The program also boasts a long list of All-American selections over time, including Jerry Harkness, who was part of their first championship team back in 1963 as well as Ben Richardson, who led them to another title 25 years later when he was named Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four tournament that year.
In recent times under head coach Porter Moser’s guidance – who took over from legendary coach Larry Farmer after his retirement – Loyola has continued to build upon this success by making deep runs into both regular seasons play as well postseason tournaments like March Madness, where they reached yet another final four appearances last year before falling short against eventual champions Villanova Wildcats despite leading early on during that game. This run marked just how far this program had come since Moser took charge nine seasons ago, having only made it past round two once prior then compared to now being able to compete with some big-name programs consistently each year regardless of what division they may find themselves playing at any given time within college basketball landscape today.
Overall, it is clear why so many people consider Loyola Ramblers among the best collegiate sports teams around the country, not only due to all accomplishments achieved but also because of the culture surrounding the organization, which promotes hard work and dedication no matter the outcome result may be ultimate.
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