College Sports Established
1907
Location
Columbia, Missouri
College Name
University of Missouri
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2012 – Present / SEC Conference
1996 - 2012 / Big 12
1928 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1907 - 1928 / Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Tigers - The Missouri Tigers are one of the most storied teams in NCAA history, and their nickname has a fascinating origin story. The University of Missouri's athletic teams were originally known as the "Missouri Miners" when they began competing in 1890. The name was chosen to honor the state's rich mining heritage, but it wasn't long before another moniker became popular among fans: "Tigers."
It all started with an editorial written by Chester Lister, a sports editor for the Columbia Missourian newspaper who had recently attended an MU football game against Iowa State College. His article described how hard-hitting and ferocious Mizzou players were on defense - like tigers! From then on out, students and alumni embraced this new nickname for their beloved team, even though it was never officially adopted until 1939 (when Mizzou joined what is now known as Division I athletics).
Today you can still find references to both nicknames around campus - from banners hanging inside Faurot Field that spell out “MIZZOU MINERS” to 'M-I-Z Z-O-U TIGERS' chants at every home game – ensuring that no matter which names you choose to call them by; everyone knows exactly who they're rooting for!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 1
1954
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1978
- 1997
- 2007
- 2012
- 2020
-
College World Series Champ 1954 for the Tigers
In the first round, Missouri defeated the Lafayette Leopards by a score of 6-3. Missouri was then knocked into the loser’s bracket after a 1-4 second-round loss to Art Brophy and Rollins College. Behind lefthander Ed Cook, the Tigers then defeated the UMass Minutemen 8-1. Missouri defeated Oklahoma A&M Aggies 7-3 behind a strong outing from starting pitcher Norm Stewart ... -
Missouri Tigers – Kellen Winslow
A native of East St. Louis, Ill., Kellen Winslow redefined the tight end position at the collegiate and professional levels during his playing career. At MU, he caught 71 passes for 1,089 yards and 10 TD’s from 1976-78, earning All-Big Eight honors in 1977 and `78, and consensus all-America status as a senior. He went on to play in the ... -
Missouri Tigers football wins the Big 12 Conference championship
In 1997: The Missouri Tigers football team, led by coach Larry Smith, wins the Big 12 Conference championship. -
Coach Gary Pinkel Lead to the Big 12 North Division title
In 2007: The Missouri Tigers football team, led by coach Gary Pinkel, wins the Big 12 North Division title and plays in the program’s first-ever Big 12 Championship Game. -
Missouri officially moves to the Southeastern Conference (SEC)
In 2012: Missouri officially moves to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) from the Big 12 Conference. -
Missouri’s men’s basketball team appearance in the NCAA
In 2020: Missouri’s men’s basketball team, led by coach Cuonzo Martin, makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
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 Tigers
The Tigers have also had an impressive run of success over the years when it comes to basketball. They won two Big 8 regular season titles and three conference tournament championships between 2002-2007 while making five consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament from 2003-2008. The program peaked during this period when it advanced to Elite Eight before falling short against eventual champion Kansas Jayhawks in the 2008 March Madness tournament.
In addition to basketball and football success, Missouri's baseball team has achieved great things throughout its history, including being crowned College World Series Champions twice (1954 & 1964). The program is currently coached by Steve Bieser, who led them into a successful 2019 season that saw them reach both Super Regionals and finish with an overall record of 43–19 (20–10 SEC).
Overall there’s no denying that Mizzou Athletics are among some of the best collegiate sports teams out there today – regardless if you’re talking about football or any other sport for that matter! With such a rich tradition behind them, we can only expect even more greatness moving forward from this beloved university at home within our state borders!
Sports Fan Products
