The Robert Morris Colonials have built a respected place in NCAA athletics, representing their university with pride and determination. Known for competitive teams, the program highlights both Robert Morris Colonials football and Robert Morris Colonials basketball, where student-athletes show skill, teamwork, and tradition. Their commitment continues to inspire fans and strengthen school spirit year after year.
College Sports Established
1821
Location
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
College Name
Robert Morris University
Collegiate History
1994 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2020 - Present / Horizon League
1996 - 2020 / Northeast Conference
1994 - 1996 / Independent
Nickname
Colonials - The Robert Morris Colonials are one of American collegiate history's most storied sports teams. With a rich heritage and a proud tradition, it’s no wonder that this team has such passionate fans. But what is the origin of their nickname?
Robert Morris Colonials Origin
It all began with Robert Morris, Jr., an influential financier during America’s Revolutionary War. He was known as “the Financier of the Revolution” for his generous contributions to George Washington and other prominent figures in our nation's early days. As a sign of respect for his generosity and patriotism, he was bestowed with the honorary title “Colonial."
This title proved so popular that when Robert Morris University opened its doors in 1921 (then called Pittsburgh Institute), they adopted Colonial as their official mascot name – making them one of only three NCAA Division I programs to do so at that time! The school also kept its original colors from 1922 until 1967: red & white - chosen to symbolize colonial-era uniforms worn by soldiers serving under General Washington during those turbulent times.
From there on out, The Colonials have been proudly representing RMU across various athletic events over decades - including men's basketball tournaments like March Madness or NIT; football games against top opponents like Duquesne; soccer matches versus local rivals Pitt Panthers; baseball series against Big East foes Georgetown Hoyas, etc. No matter where they play or who they face against, these loyal supporters always ensure everyone knows about "The Colonials."
So next time you hear someone talking about The Robert Morris Colonials, don't forget why we call them 'Colonials' – because it pays tribute to both their university roots & patriotic past!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2019
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Ice hockey: Rapid Program Improvement
The Robert Morris Colonials men’s ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Robert Morris University. The Colonials men had been members of CHA until its men’s division disbanded at the end of the 2009–10 season. RMU shocked CCHA member Western Michigan in a 5–2 victory that Schooley called “the ... -
Women’s Basketball NEC Success
Colonials women’s teams have had success in their conference.The women’s team won the NEC Championship in 2008 and made an appearance in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, only to bow out in the first round to Rutgers. The women’s team won the NEC Championship again in 2014, losing to Notre Dame in the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament. The ... -
Men’s NEC Championship Triumph
The team’s most recent appearance in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was in 2015, where the Colonials beat North Florida in the First Four. Five years earlier, in the 2010 NCAA tournament, the 15th-seed Colonials nearly upset No. 9-ranked Villanova in the First Round before losing in overtime. The team is also known for its upset over No. ... -
Three Consecutive Regular Season Titles
Robert Morris Colonials women’s ice hockey is a college ice hockey program representing Robert Morris University in NCAA Division I as a member of the Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) conference. The most successful season for the Colonials was the 2016–17 season. Their 24–5–6 record (15–3–2 in the CHA) earned them their first year-ending ranking, 8th, in both the USCHO and ...
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Robert Morris Colonials History
The Robert Morris Colonials have built a respected tradition in NCAA athletics, representing their university with pride for over a century. The program has long been known for passionate rivalries, particularly with the Northern Kentucky Norse, while developing strong teams across multiple sports. Fans of the Robert Morris Colonials basketball and football teams have remained some of the most dedicated in the nation.
The university’s athletic journey began in 1912, when it was still Robert College for Women. Basketball was the very first sport introduced, laying the foundation for future growth. As the school expanded, new athletic programs such as baseball, track and field, and eventually Robert Morris Colonials football were established. This growth allowed the Colonials to create a well-rounded athletic department that quickly earned recognition.
From the 1920s through the 1930s, the Colonials produced several remarkable athletes. Notable names include Bobby Jones, who later played for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Jack Butler, who became an NFL Hall of Famer with the Pittsburgh Steelers. These athletes showcased the high level of talent that Robert Morris consistently produced during its early decades.
The Robert Morris Colonials basketball program has especially stood out, making its mark on NCAA Division I competition since joining in 1993. They became a member of the Horizon League in 2020 after decades in the Northeast Conference, competing against top schools while earning postseason appearances. Alongside basketball, Robert Morris Colonials football has developed its own tradition, competing in the Big South–OVC Association since leaving the Northeast Conference in 2020.
Over the years, the Colonials have claimed numerous conference championships across different sports, including men’s soccer in 2009, women’s tennis in 2010, and men’s lacrosse in 2015. These achievements highlight the balanced success of the athletics program beyond just basketball and football.
Colonials Achievements
The program’s strength lies not only in athletics but also in academics. Student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom, building a culture of discipline and commitment. This combination has made the Robert Morris Colonials one of the most respected programs among mid-major schools.
In basketball, the Colonials have earned multiple trips to the NCAA Tournament and the NIT, with signature wins that proved they could compete with larger, more established programs. Meanwhile, the Robert Morris Colonials football team has built a strong identity, producing NFL-caliber players and earning conference titles since its inception in 1994.
With a history filled with championships, legendary athletes, and passionate rivalries, the Robert Morris Colonials continue to thrive. Their achievements in both Robert Morris Colonials basketball and football, along with success in other sports, cement their place as one of the most competitive athletic programs in the region. The Colonials’ story is one of growth, resilience, and tradition that inspires both fans and future athletes.
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