College Sports Established
1856
Location
Lewiston, New York
College Name
Niagara University
Collegiate History
1989 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1989 - Present / Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
Nickname
Purple Eagles - The nickname "Purple Eagles" for Niagara University's athletic teams is a distinctive and memorable moniker with an interesting origin story tied to the university's identity and location.
The nickname "Purple Eagles" was chosen to create a unique identity for Niagara University's athletic teams. The addition of "Purple" to "Eagles" was specifically to avoid the generic nature of just "Eagles" and to incorporate the school colors, which are purple and white.
The choice of purple is directly tied to the university's official colors, purple and white. This color scheme is prominently featured in the university's branding and athletic uniforms.
The university's location on Monteagle Ridge in Lewiston, New York, played a significant role in the choice of the nickname. "Monteagle" inspired the "Eagles" part of the nickname. The mascot, Monte, embodies this connection by wearing the university's purple and white colors.
The nickname "Purple Eagles" is a unique and memorable representation of Niagara University's athletic teams. It reflects the university's colors and geographical location, creating a strong and distinctive identity for its sports teams. For fans and those interested in more detailed historical records, reaching out to Niagara University's athletic department or alumni association is recommended.
By embracing the "Purple Eagles" nickname, fans and athletes can take pride in a moniker deeply connected to the university's heritage and spirit.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 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.
History of the Purple Eagles
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Niagara University, established in 1856 by the Vincentian community, took flight with its athletic program towards the end of the 19th century. The moniker "Purple Eagles" came into existence in the early 20th century, with purple and white being the chosen school colors.
The Niagara Purple Eagles participate in a multitude of sports, including basketball, ice hockey, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and more. Over the years, the Purple Eagles have amassed impressive accolades in these sports, punctuating their journey with remarkable victories. Basketball, in particular, has been a beacon of success. The men's basketball team has participated in the NCAA tournament multiple times, with their most memorable run in 1970 when they reached the tournament's quarterfinals. The women's basketball team has also made its mark, securing multiple MAAC tournament championships. In ice hockey, the Purple Eagles soared to the national stage in 2000 when the men's team qualified for the NCAA Tournament, marking a critical milestone in the program's history.