College Sports Established
1873
Location
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
College Name
Southeast Missouri State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1991 - Present / Ohio Valley Conference
1924 - 1990 / Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
1901 - 1923 / Independent
Nickname
Redhawks - The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks are one of the most iconic teams in NCAA sports. With a proud history and an impressive record, it’s no surprise that their nickname has become so well-known. But where did the Redhawks come from? Let’s take a look at how this team got its unique moniker.
It all began in 1924 when the school changed its name to Southeast Missouri State Teachers College (SEMSTC). The new name was accompanied by two new mascots: “Red Hawk” and “Little Chief,” both of which were chosen as symbols for Seminole Indians who lived in Florida during colonial times. During this period, these Native Americans were known for being brave warriors with great strength and courage—traits that have been adopted by SEMSTC athletes ever since!
In 1932, Little Chief was dropped as mascot due to budget constraints, but Red Hawk remained popular amongst students and faculty alike; he even received his fight song shortly after that! In 1983 after much debate among alumni about what they should call their teams officially–the decision was made to go with "Redhawks." This nickname stuck around until 1997 when it became official through an act passed by student government representatives at SEMSTC's annual meeting–making them one of only three NCAA Division I schools whose nicknames originated from Native American culture (the other two being Utah Utes & Central Michigan Chippewas).
Today fans can still show off their pride for SEMSTC athletics whenever they wear red or cheer on the Red Hawks during any sporting event! From football games to basketball tournaments – you'll always find passionate supporters behind every point scored or goal saved wearing those classic colors we know so well: black & red! So if you're looking for some spirited fun while supporting your favorite college team, don't forget about our beloved SE Missouri State University's mascot: The Mighty RED HAWKS!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1969
- 1978
- 2010
- 2018
-
Gary Garner as Head Basketball Coach
In 1969 Southeast Missouri State hires Gary Garner as head basketball coach. Garner would go on to coach the Redhawks for 25 seasons and become the winningest coach in school history. -
OVC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship
In 1978 The Redhawks win their first OVC Men’s Basketball Tournament championship, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they lose to Kentucky in the first round. -
Third OVC Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship
In 2010 The Redhawks win their third OVC Men’s Basketball Tournament championship, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they lose to Purdue in the first round. -
Ohio Valley Conference Football Championship
In 2018 Southeast Missouri State wins its first-ever Ohio Valley Conference football championship, earning a trip to the FCS playoffs where they lose to Weber State in the first round.
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 Redhawks
The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks are an NCAA Division I athletics program competing in the Ohio Valley Conference since 1991. The school is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and fields 17 varsity sports teams.
In recent years, Southeast Missouri State Athletics has seen a resurgence of success with their football program leading this charge as they made back-to-back appearances in FCS Playoffs for the only time ever during the 2018 & 2019 seasons under head coach Tom Matukewicz. This was followed up by a historic 2020 season which saw them win their first conference championship since 2006 after going 8–4 overall on the year, culminating with a dominant performance against Austin Peay Governors, winning 42–14 in the FCS playoffs opener before falling to the eventual national champion North Dakota St Bison 38–7 next round ending remarkable run for SEMO Football team. Off-field achievements include receiving the highest APR score among all OVC schools four consecutive years from 2015 until 2018 while achieving a 100% graduation rate among scholarship athletes every single year between 2014 & 2019, which demonstrates commitment towards academic excellence at the same level as athletic achievements by university staff members & student-athlete alike!
Overall it’s safe to say that there is plenty of excitement surrounding Southeast Missouri State Athletics right now, both on and off the field, making this one of most exciting programs follow within the entire NCAA system, so make sure you keep updated on what’s happening here if you want to stay ahead game when comes knowing who best teams around the country will be each season!
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