The Mercer Bears represent Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and are known for their deep-rooted sports tradition in the Southern Conference. Both Mercer Bears football and Mercer Bears basketball programs have achieved remarkable success over the years, building a strong legacy defined by determination, teamwork, and excellence across collegiate athletics.
College Sports Established
1833
Location
Macon, Georgia
College Name
Mercer University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1922 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2014 - Present / Southern Conference
1978 - 2014 / Atlantic Sun Conference
1930 - 1942, 1948 - 1954 / Dixie Conference
1896 - 1937 / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Bears - As a dedicated Mercer Bears fan, I'm thrilled to share the origins of our beloved nickname. Before 1924, Mercer University's teams were known as the "Baptists," reflecting the university's founding by the Georgia Baptist Convention in 1833. However, the nickname "Bears" has a more dynamic origin tied to a legendary moment in Mercer athletics.
Mercer Bears Origin
The story dates back to a historic football game in 1892. During this game, Mercer faced the University of Georgia. A powerful Mercer lineman charged down the field with such force that a spectator exclaimed, "Whence cometh that bear?" This spontaneous outburst captured the player's strength and determination, and the nickname "Bears" began to resonate.
In 1924, the student body officially adopted "Bears" as the nickname for Mercer’s athletic teams. This marked a significant shift as the university embraced an identity symbolizing power, courage, and resilience. The bear became a fitting emblem of Mercer’s commitment to overcoming challenges and achieving excellence.
The Mercer Bears nickname embodies the spirit of strength, unity, and determination. It reflects the enduring legacy of a university that has faced challenges with courage and emerged stronger. As a proud fan, I am honored to cheer for the Mercer Bears, knowing that each roar echoes the timeless qualities that define our community. Go Bears!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1985
- 2013
- 2014
- 2023
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Rising to the Challenge: Mercer Bears Milestones in Women’s Basketball
The Mercer Bears women’s basketball team currently competes in the Southern Conference. In 2013, Mercer advanced to the post-season Women’s Basketball Invitational losing to McNeese State University; the team finished the season with a 20–12 record, the first 20-win season since 1991–92. The post-season appearance was Mercer’s first in a nationally sponsored tournament since 1985. Mercer played in the conference ... -
Dominating Mercer’s: Record-Breaking Championship Run
The Mercer Bears baseball team competes in the NCAA Division I and is a member of the Southern Conference. Mercer fielded its first baseball team in 1871. In recent years, Mercer has won five Atlantic Sun Conference championships including the university’s first regular season title in 2013. Since the program began in 1871, ten Mercer players have advanced to the ... -
Mercer Bears in the Big Dance: NCAA Tournament Highlights
The Mercer Bears men’s basketball team competes in the Southern Conference. Mercer has competed in the NCAA tournament three times, including 1981 and 1985; the team lost in the first round in both years. The Bears won the 2012 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, defeating Utah State in the championship game; the victory was the first postseason championship won by a team ... -
Playoff Milestone: Mercer Bears in the FCS Spotlight
The Mercer Bears football team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is a member of the Southern Conference. The team plays its home games at the 10,200-seat Five Star Stadium on the university’s Macon campus. The Bears compete in the Southern Conference (SoCon) of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Mercer fielded their ...
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Mercer Bears History
The Mercer Bears have a proud and dynamic athletic history that mirrors Mercer University’s tradition of excellence, determination, and community spirit. From spirited rivalries—most notably with the Wofford Terriers—to championship triumphs, the Bears’ story represents perseverance, teamwork, and success across multiple generations of athletes and fans.
Founded in 1833 in Macon, Georgia, Mercer University has long valued the role of sports in shaping campus life and character. While the early years saw informal competitions among students, organized athletics began taking shape by the late 19th century, paving the way for the birth of the Mercer Bears identity and future athletic success.
In 1924, the university officially adopted the “Bears” nickname, a name inspired by a memorable football game in 1892 against Georgia. During that match, a fan’s astonished remark — “Whence cometh that bear?” — captured the strength and courage of Mercer athletes, symbolizing their fierce and unrelenting spirit.
The Mercer Bears football program began in 1892, one of the earliest in the South. Despite being paused during World War II and again from 1942 to 2013, the sport’s revival showcased Mercer’s resilience. Since returning, Mercer Bears football has become a powerhouse in the Southern Conference, combining academic integrity with competitive excellence. The program’s comeback was one of the most celebrated moments in Mercer’s athletic history.
Mercer Bears basketball began in 1906 and has built a rich tradition of winning. The men’s team gained national attention in 2014 when it defeated Duke in the NCAA Tournament, marking a defining moment in Mercer sports history. The women’s basketball team, launched in 1970, has been equally impressive, earning multiple Southern Conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances.
Bears Achievements
Baseball has also played a central role in Mercer Athletics. The Bears’ baseball team has earned numerous conference championships and NCAA regional appearances, producing standout athletes who went on to professional baseball careers. Mercer’s state-of-the-art facilities reflect its dedication to fostering top-level talent.
Off the field, Mercer athletes continue to excel academically, maintaining one of the highest GPA averages among Division I programs. This commitment to developing both athletic and academic excellence defines the Mercer Bears spirit and strengthens the university’s legacy.
In recent decades, the Mercer Bears basketball and Mercer Bears football programs have solidified their place among the best in the Southern Conference. Their consistent performance, combined with community support and institutional pride, has made Mercer Athletics a model for balance between education and sport.
Today, the Mercer Bears continue to build on a legacy of success that spans more than a century. From thrilling victories to groundbreaking athletic revivals, the Bears embody courage, integrity, and perseverance—values that define both their past and their promising future.
The Mercer Bears football program has earned recognition for its rapid growth since revival, including multiple winning seasons and top conference finishes. Meanwhile, Mercer Bears basketball continues to shine with NCAA tournament victories, conference titles, and national respect. Mercer University’s dedication to excellence ensures that the Bears’ proud tradition remains strong for generations to come.
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