The Missouri State Bears have built a proud tradition in NCAA athletics, excelling in both Missouri State Bears football and Missouri State Bears basketball. Since their early beginnings, the Bears have shown consistent growth, achieving success across multiple sports while fostering school pride. Their competitive spirit has made them a respected name in college athletics.
College Sports Established
1969
Location
Springfield, Missouri
College Name
Missouri State University
Collegiate History
1980 - Present / NCAA Division I–AA/FCS
1973 - 1980 / NCAA Division II
Conference History
1990 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1982 - 1990 / Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference
Nickname
Bears - Sports fans everywhere know that the Missouri State Bears have been a staple of college athletics for generations. But did you know that their nickname has an interesting origin story?
Missouri State Bears Origin
The Missouri State Bears moniker was adopted in 1925 when the school changed its name from Southwest Missouri State Teachers College to Southwest Missouri State College. A renewed commitment to athletic excellence accompanied the new name change, and so it made sense for them to adopt a mascot with some strength and power behind it – enter, the Bear!
While there are no official records as to why or how this particular animal came into being as part of their identity, one can assume that since bears were seen as symbols of strength and courage at the time (as they still are today!), they chose this powerful creature to convey those same values on-field during games. Since then, MSU’s beloved bear mascot has become synonymous with success on and off the field, representing physical prowess and academic achievement among students who proudly wear his colors daily!
In addition, while most schools had already chosen mascots before 1925 when MSU picked theirs up, what makes them unique is that rather than choosing something overly generic like “Tigers” or “Lions” - which other teams used - they decided instead on something more specific: A Bear! This shows how much thought went into creating an identity for themselves back then – one which continues even today through cheers such as "Go Bears!" whenever someone wears any clothing item featuring our beloved logo/mascot design across campus grounds & beyond…
So next time you see someone wearing maroon & white gear around town– whether it be apparel from your favorite store or maybe even homemade items created by alumni members – remember where these iconic colors come from: The proud legacy left behind by our very own Mississippi River Valley's original team...the mighty MISSOURI STATE BEARS!!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1913
- 1996
- 2008
- 2016
-
Missouri State Bears baseball first game
The 1913 Missouri State Bears baseball team played their inaugural game on April 11, 1913, against Drury College. The game was played in Springfield, Missouri, and the Bears emerged victorious with a score of 9-5. The game marked the beginning of the Bears’ baseball program, which has since become one of the most successful sports programs at the university. During ... -
Gateway Football Conference Championship Win
In 1996 Missouri State Bears football team wins their third Gateway Football Conference championship. -
Kyle Weems Basketball Era
2008-2012: Kyle Weems plays for the Missouri State Bears basketball team. 2011: Weems is named the MVC Player of the Year after averaging 16.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. 2012: Weems leads the Missouri State Bears to the MVC tournament championship game, but they lose to the Creighton Bluejays. 2012: Weems graduates from Missouri State as the school’s all-time ... -
Third MVC regular season championship Win
In 2016 Missouri State Bears soccer team wins their third MVC regular season championship and makes their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, losing to the Denver Pioneers in the first round.
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.
Missouri State Bears History
The Missouri State Bears have built a rich athletic tradition since their founding in 1906, competing across football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. Their historic rivalry with the Southern Illinois Salukis has added intensity to college athletics, while both Missouri State Bears football and Missouri State Bears basketball have remained at the forefront of the program’s legacy.
The Missouri State Bears basketball program has been one of the strongest in the Missouri Valley Conference since joining Division I in 1982–83. The Bears captured six conference titles and earned multiple NCAA Tournament berths. Their most memorable run came in the 1998–99 season when they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen after defeating higher-seeded teams, marking one of the greatest moments in school history. They have also made appearances in the NIT, further showcasing their consistency.
In football, the Missouri State Bears football team began play in 1909 and has earned multiple conference championships, particularly during its time in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The program has developed NFL-caliber talent, with players going on to professional success. Their fan base continues to bring energy to Plaster Stadium, making football Saturdays a highlight for the Missouri State community.
Beyond football and basketball, the Missouri State Bears excel in other sports. The baseball program has produced MLB talent and reached the College World Series in 2003, an achievement that cemented its reputation nationally. In addition, sports like soccer, track and field, and volleyball have added depth to the Bears’ athletic success, helping Missouri State build a strong overall profile in NCAA competition.
Bears Achievements
Over the years, the Missouri State Bears have also been recognized for producing standout athletes and coaches. NBA star Steve Stipanovich and successful coaches such as Cuonzo Martin and Barry Hinson are among those who began their journeys in Springfield. These achievements highlight the balance of tradition and excellence that the university continues to uphold.
Recent seasons have brought even more attention to the Missouri State Bears football program, which has reached the FCS playoffs multiple times in the 2020s. The basketball team remains competitive, with aspirations to return to March Madness and continue the proud tradition of Missouri State hoops.
Today, the Missouri State Bears stand as one of the most respected athletic programs in the Midwest. With championships in football, achievements in basketball, and milestones in baseball, the Bears continue to make their mark in NCAA history. Fans remain deeply loyal, ensuring that the legacy of the Missouri State Bears will continue to grow for generations.
