College Sports Established
1847
Location
Loretto, Pennsylvania
College Name
Saint Francis University
Collegiate History
1982 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1982 - Present / Northeast Conference
Nickname
Red Flash - As we gear up for another exciting season of Saint Francis Red Flash athletics, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to reflect on the origins of our beloved team’s nickname.
The Saint Francis Red Flash, known for their fierce competitiveness and unwavering spirit, has become a staple in college sports. But where did this unique nickname come from?
The story begins in the early 1920s when Saint Francis University was still known as Saint Francis College. At the time, the school’s athletic teams were known as the “Saint Francis Saints.” However, in 1926, a new coach named Maurice Stokes joined the basketball team, forever changing the school’s athletic history.
Stokes, a standout player, was known for his incredible speed and agility on the court. His teammates and fans alike were in awe of his lightning-fast movements and dubbed him the “Red Flash” due to his vibrant red hair and quickness on the court.
The nickname quickly caught on, and the entire team was soon referred to as the “Saint Francis Red Flashes.” The name perfectly captured the team’s play style and embodied the school's spirit.
Over the years, the name has become the official nickname of all Saint Francis University athletic teams. The Red Flash name has become synonymous with excellence, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. It represents the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches, both past and present.
But the origins of the Red Flash nickname go beyond just basketball. The name is also attributed to the school’s location in Loretto, Pennsylvania. The town is situated on a hill, and when the sun sets, the sky turns brilliant red, giving the illusion of a “red flash” across the horizon.
No matter the origin, one thing is for sure – the Saint Francis Red Flash is a name deeply rooted in our university's history and culture. It’s a name we wear with pride and honor and continues to inspire and motivate us to achieve greatness.
So, as we cheer on our Red Flash teams this season, let’s remember the story behind our beloved nickname and the legacy it represents. Go Red Flash!
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.Kevin Porter
History of the Red Flash
Welcome, Red Flash sports fans! As we gear up for another exciting season, let's take a moment to reflect on the rich history of our beloved Saint Francis Red Flash sports teams.
Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, has a long-standing tradition of excellence in athletics, particularly in their rivalry with the CCSU Blue Devils. The Red Flash teams have been competing at the Division I level since the 1970s and have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the Northeast Conference (NEC).
The Red Flash basketball teams have also had their fair share of success. The men's basketball team, under the leadership of coach Don Friday, made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1991 and have since made it to the tournament five more times. They have also won three NEC championships and have produced notable players such as NBA player Moe Harkless and current head coach Rob Krimmel.
The women's basketball team has also had a storied history, with 10 NEC championships and multiple NCAA tournament appearances. The team has produced notable players such as Jess Zinobile, who holds the record for most points scored in a single game by a Red Flash player with 42 points.
The Red Flash baseball team, led by coach Mike Gambino, has also had its share of success. The team has won four NEC championships and has appeared in the NCAA tournament. Notable alumni from the baseball program include MLB players Scott Barnes and Kenny Smith.
Aside from the major sports, the Red Flash also has successful programs in other sports, such as volleyball, soccer, and track and field. The women's volleyball team has won an impressive 14 NEC championships, while the men's soccer team has won five NEC championships and made multiple appearances in the NCAA tournament.
The Red Flash sports teams excel on the field and in the classroom. Saint Francis University is firmly committed to academic success, and the Red Flash teams have consistently been recognized for their academic achievements. In the past year, the football, men's, and women's basketball teams received the NCAA Academic Progress Rate Public Recognition Award.
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