The Sam Houston State Bearkats have built a strong tradition in NCAA sports, highlighted by achievements in Bearkats basketball and Sam Houston Bearkats football. Known for their competitive spirit, the program has earned recognition for consistent performances and championship runs. Fans proudly support the Bearkats as they continue making history across multiple sports.
College Sports Established
1879
Location
Huntsville, Texas
College Name
Sam Houston State University
Collegiate History
1987 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2023 - Present / C-USA Conference
2021 - 2023 / Western Athletic Conference
1987 - 2021 / Southland Conference
Nickname
Bearkats - Sam Houston State University's athletic teams have been nicknamed "The Bearkats" since 1923 when the University's name was changed by the Texas State Legislature from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teachers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed "The Normals".
Sam Houston State Bearkats Origin
Early references to "Bearkats" spelled the name either "Bearcats", "Bear Cats" or "Bearkats". A bearcat actually is a kinkajou, a carnivorous mammal native to South America 10 to 12 inches in length with whiskers like a cat that sits up on its hind haunches like a bear. A nocturnal creature, it is known to be ferocious if provoked.
It is doubtful those who coined the "Bearkat" nickname had a kinkajou in mind, however. More likely, the name came from a popular local saying of the time, "tough as a Bearkat!" The late Reed Lindsey, who was a student/athlete in the 1920s and later retired as University registrar, once said that "it was a good fighting name of the time." Since the animal in the saying was thought more mythical than real, the spelling settled upon was "Bearkat."
In the late 1940s, then SHSU president Harmon Lowman attempted to change the SHSU mascot from Bearkats to "Ravens" (after General Sam Houston's Cherokee nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported that the alumni were polled, she voted for the raven but that "all those old Bearkats beat us out!"
SHSU had a live kinkajou mascot in 1952 but the animal did not adapt to captivity and quickly was released from his duties. The current Sammy Bearkat mascot character began appearing at SHSU sports events in 1959. (Special thanks to Paul Culp of the SHSU Library whose research made this article possible.)
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
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Sam Houston State Bearkats History
The Sam Houston State Bearkats are the proud intercollegiate athletic teams representing Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. The Bearkats compete in the NCAA Division I level, with Sam Houston Bearkats football competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since July 1, 2021, the Bearkats have been part of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), after 34 successful years in the Southland Conference. Known for their orange and white colors, the Sam Houston State Bearkats maintain fierce rivalries, most notably with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
The athletic department has a tradition of excellence, capturing the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019. This honor reflected all-around athletic dominance and highlighted success in multiple sports, including Bearkats basketball and Sam Houston Bearkats football. The seven Commissioner’s Cups remain the most in league history, and the program became the only one in the Southland to win three consecutive titles.
The Sam Houston State Bearkats have also shown strong academic performance. Student-athletes consistently post the highest average GPA in the league, with many named to the Southland Conference honor roll. Bearkats basketball stood out when six of its athletes received Academic All-Conference honors in one season, including Ryan Bright, who was named Student-Athlete of the Year.
On January 14, 2021, Sam Houston announced its move to the WAC as part of a major conference expansion. Joining alongside Abilene Christian, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin, and Southern Utah, the Bearkats transitioned ahead of schedule after the Southland Conference expelled departing members. Later, it was confirmed that the Sam Houston State Bearkats would move to Conference USA no later than July 2023, further elevating the program’s national profile.
The Sam Houston Bearkats football program has been one of the most successful in the FCS, highlighted by their 2021 national championship. That victory cemented their reputation as one of the top football programs in the country and showcased the program’s ability to compete at the highest level. Their move to FBS in Conference USA marked a new chapter of growth and competition.
Bearkats Achievements
In Bearkats basketball, the program has also built a tradition of winning. The team has made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and earned regular-season conference titles, proving its consistency over the years. With talented players and respected coaches, Bearkats basketball continues to be a cornerstone of Sam Houston athletics.
The overall success of the Sam Houston State Bearkats is a combination of athletic dominance and academic achievement. From championships in Sam Houston Bearkats football to conference honors in Bearkats basketball, the university has created a well-rounded athletic identity. Fans proudly stand behind the Bearkats, knowing their teams succeed both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, the transition to Conference USA brings new opportunities for growth. The Sam Houston State Bearkats are prepared to build on their historic accomplishments and reach new levels of success across all sports. With a solid foundation, strong rivalries, and a dedicated fan base, the Bearkats continue to shine as one of the most respected programs in college athletics.
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