History of the Bears
The Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears are the athletic teams representing Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State University). Missouri State's athletics programs date back to 1908. Missouri State competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. The majority of sports play in the Division I Missouri Valley Conference. Missouri State football competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. In contrast, Men's Swimming and Diving compete in the Mid-American Conference, and the beach volleyball team is a Coastal Collegiate Sports Association member. Missouri State athletics are frequently abbreviated as "MOST" when televised.
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 - In 1906 - 1907, The Bear was chosen as its mascot.
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.