College Sports Established
1869
Location
Carbondale, Illinois
College Name
Southern Illinois University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1922 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1975 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1962 - 1975 / Independent
1914 - 1962 / Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Nickname
Salukis - The Southern Illinois Salukis are one of the country's most beloved college sports teams. With a rich history and passionate fan base, it’s no wonder why they’ve earned such an iconic nickname. But what is the origin story behind this unique moniker?
The answer dates back to 1923 when Southern Illinois Normal University (now known as SIU) sought a new mascot to represent its athletic teams. After much deliberation, school officials decided on the “Saluki” – an ancient breed of dog from Egypt that has been used for hunting since antiquity. The name was chosen due to its strong connection with Egyptian culture and because it sounded exotic and regal – something befitting of a university team!
Since then, Saluki has become synonymous with Southern Illinois athletics; not only do their fans proudly wear merchandise featuring this canine emblem, but they can also be found throughout campus cheering on their favorite players during games or just enjoying some good old-fashioned tailgating before kickoff! And while many may not know precisely where this nickname comes from initially - now you do! So next time you hear someone talking about the SIU Salukis, share your newfound knowledge with them so everyone can appreciate how awesomely unique our beloved mascot is!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1957
- 1964
- 1967
- 2010
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The Salukis win their first Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) football championship.
In 1957, the Southern Illinois Salukis football team had a highly successful season, finishing with a 9-1 record and winning their first Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championship. The team was led by head coach Nick Hill, who had taken over the program just a year earlier. The Salukis dominated their MVC opponents throughout the season, winning all six conference games ... -
Walt Frazier – Basketball Era
Walt Frazier, basketball (1964-1967): Frazier played basketball for the Salukis from 1964 to 1967 and is considered one of the greatest players in school history. He was a two-time All-MVC selection and led Southern Illinois to the NIT championship in 1967, earning tournament MVP honors. Frazier went on to have a successful NBA career, winning two NBA championships with the ... -
The Salukis win the National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
In 1967, the Southern Illinois Salukis basketball team had a historic season, winning the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship. The team was led by head coach Jack Hartman and featured a talented roster that included future NBA star Walt Frazier. The Salukis entered the NIT tournament as an at-large team and were considered underdogs in the early rounds. However, they ... -
Southern Illinois wins the MVC soccer championship
In 2010, the Southern Illinois Salukis men’s soccer team had a highly successful season, winning the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championship and earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in program history. The team was led by head coach Ed Huneke and featured a talented roster that included several standout players. Southern Illinois finished the regular ...
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History of the Salukis
The Southern Illinois Salukis are an NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports program that has been playing since 1907. The school is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and competes in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). The Salukis have had great success, including making it to the Sweet 16 of the 2002 NCAA Tournament. They have also made multiple appearances in both men's and women's basketball tournaments throughout their history.
Looking back at their past successes, there’s no doubt that Southern Illinois has been one of college basketball’s most consistent programs. In addition to reaching deep into March Madness several times, they've won four regular seasons MVC championships – two each for men’s and women’s teams – and three tournament titles for both genders combined since joining the conference back in 1985-86 season.
In recent years though, things haven't gone quite so smoothly with numerous coaching changes on both sides of the ball leading up to this point; however, under head coach Bryan Mullins' leadership these last few seasons, there seems to be a renewed sense of optimism around SIU hoops once again to get back into contention within league play soon enough too! This upcoming year should provide plenty of excitement for fans who follow the team closely or casually alike, given all the young talent returning from the previous campaign plus the influx of new faces coming onto the roster mix, make for a fascinating 2020-21 journey ahead regardless outcome ultimately ends up being...
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