The Northern Colorado Bears have a rich history in NCAA athletics, excelling in Northern Colorado Bears football and Northern Colorado Bears baseball. Established as a competitive program in the early 20th century, the university has produced standout athletes and memorable seasons, making it a respected name in collegiate sports across multiple disciplines over the decades.
College Sports Established
1893
Location
Greeley, Colorado
College Name
University of Northern Colorado
Collegiate History
2006 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1923 - 2006 / NCAA Division II
Conference History
2006 – Present / Big Sky Conference
2003 - 2006 / Independent
1978 - 2003 / North Central Conference
1976–1978 / Independent
1972 - 1976 / Great Plains Athletic Conference
1923 - 1972 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Nickname
Bears - As sports fans, we know college teams have some of the most unique and exciting nicknames in all athletics. Each team has a distinct identity, from the Fighting Irish to the Crimson Tide. Today, we’ll look at one such nickname: The Northern Colorado Bears.
Northern Colorado Bears Origin
The University of Northern Colorado adopted its iconic bear mascot in 1923 when it was still known as “Colorado State Teachers College” (CSTC). According to university lore, students voted on several different animal mascots before deciding on a black bear - an animal native to northern parts of Colorado - which they felt represented their school spirit and pride best.
For decades after its adoption by CSTC students in 1923, this beloved mascot remained unnamed until 1949, when it officially became known as “Beauford T Bearcat” (or just Beau for short). It wasn't until 1984 that he finally got his full name: Beauford T Bearcat III! This final addition was made thanks mainly due to former CSTC student-athlete Jimmie Heuga who suggested adding three generations worth of bears into his family tree so future generations could continue celebrating him long after graduation day had come and gone.
In recent years however, there has been much debate surrounding whether or not ‘Bearcats' is an appropriate nickname for this particular school given how far away from any real cats they are geographically speaking; many believing instead that 'Bears' would be more fitting considering where they reside within our great state! Ultimately, no official change has been made, but with enough public support, perhaps, someday, UNC will become home sweet home for our beloved Bears again!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1998
- 2003
- 2011
- 2015
- 2017
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UNC joins the Big Sky Conference
In 1998, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) joined the Big Sky Conference, which is a NCAA Division I conference that consists of teams from the western United States. UNC previously competed in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the North Central Conference before joining the Big Sky Conference. The move allowed UNC to compete at a higher level of ... -
UNC’s men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In the 2002-2003 season, the Northern Colorado Bears men’s basketball team had a record of 20-10 overall and 11-5 in conference play. They won the Big Sky Conference regular season title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. However, they lost in the first round to the Michigan State Spartans. -
UNC’s women’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2011, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) women’s basketball team won the Big Sky Conference championship for the first time in program history. They earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they were seeded 15th and faced off against the second-seeded Stanford Cardinal. Despite a strong effort, the Bears were ultimately defeated by Stanford, ending their postseason run. ... -
Northern Colorado Bears women’s soccer team won the Big Sky Conference
In 2015, the Northern Colorado Bears women’s soccer team won the Big Sky Conference championship and participated in the NCAA Tournament for the second time. -
UNC’s football team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 2017, the Northern Colorado Bears football team finished the regular season with a 6-5 overall record and a 4-4 record in Big Sky Conference play. They won a share of the conference championship and qualified for the FCS playoffs for the first time in school history. However, they lost in the first round to the University of San Diego ...
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Northern Colorado Bears History
The Northern Colorado Bears boast a rich tradition in NCAA athletics, with strength in both Northern Colorado Bears football and Northern Colorado Bears baseball. Their rivalry history includes matchups with regional peers like the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Since their founding in 1889 (as the State Normal School of Colorado), the Bears have grown into a respected multi-sport program.
In football, the Northern Colorado Bears football program has roots reaching back to the 19th century. Over the decades, they competed in various conferences: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, North Central Conference, Great West, and since 2006, in the Big Sky Conference at the FCS level.
Before moving to Division I, the Bears enjoyed great success in Division II. In 1996 and 1997, the Northern Colorado Bears football team won back-to-back national championships under coach Joe Glenn.
The football program also claims numerous conference titles over its history, including championships in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and North Central Conference. Their all-time record and transitions reflect the challenges of adapting to higher levels of play.
Turning to Northern Colorado Bears baseball, the program began in 1924, paused during WWII, and resumed thereafter. The Bears have made ten College World Series appearances — matching the likes of much larger programs. Notably, in 1974, the Northern Colorado Bears baseball team advanced to the College World Series, winning their district and finishing tied for 5th.
Additionally, several Northern Colorado Bears baseball alumni have reached the Major Leagues, including Virgil Jester as the first former Bear to do so. The program continues to field competitive teams under the Summit League and other conference alignments.
Though the Northern Colorado Bears have had leaner periods, they remain resilient. They faced increases in competition when shifting to Division I for football, and their baseball program’s consistent appearances in the CWS attest to enduring strength.
Bears Achievements
In Northern Colorado Bears football, the two Division II national championships (1996, 1997) stand as the program’s crowning achievements. The football team has also secured multiple conference championships across its history in lower divisions. While postseason success in FCS has been more limited, the legacy of those championship teams continues to define the program.
For Northern Colorado Bears baseball, the ten College World Series appearances are a major highlight and place the program among elite company. The 1974 season is especially memorable: the Bears captured a conference title, won their district, and advanced to the CWS. Alumni advancement to Major League Baseball and sustained competitiveness add depth to the baseball legacy.
Overall, the Northern Colorado Bears symbolize perseverance across sports. Whether through national football titles, consistent baseball excellence, or regional rivalries, the Bears remain a storied presence. Their successes in Northern Colorado Bears football and Northern Colorado Bears baseball continue to inspire pride among fans and athletes alike, ensuring the program’s legacy endures for future generations.
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