College Sports Established
1965
Location
Vanderburgh County, Indiana
College Name
University of Southern Indiana
Collegiate History
2022 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / Ohio Valley Conference
Nickname
Screaming Eagles - The Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles are a college basketball team playing in the NCAA Division II since 1995. The team is based in Evansville, Indiana, and plays its home games at the Ford Center. While they may not be as well known as some of their bigger-name counterparts, they have a fascinating history behind their name.
The origin story behind the Screaming Eagles nickname dates back to World War I when American soldiers were part of a unit called “Eagles” who served in France during WWI. These soldiers were known for their courage and bravery while fighting on behalf of America, which earned them respect from both allies and enemies alike – so much so that French citizens began calling these brave men ‘les Aigles Criants’ or ‘Screaming Eagles’ due to how loudly they would yell during battle!
This nickname was adopted by Southern Indiana University when it formed its first sports teams in the 1920s as an homage to these courageous WWI veterans who had made such an impact on society (and also inspired other universities across America). Over time this moniker stuck with SIU's sports teams until eventually becoming what we know today: Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles!
Sports fans everywhere should take pride in knowing that our beloved university still honors those brave WWI veterans through its mascot - reminding us how important it is never to forget those who fought for our freedom long ago. Go SCREAMING EAGLES!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1970
- 1994
- 2012
- 2018
-
First Basketball Team
In 1970 USI forms its first basketball team, which competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). -
NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship
In 1994 The Screaming Eagles win their first NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament championship, defeating Cal State Bakersfield in the final. -
Jeron Lewis Hall of Fame
Jeron Lewis Men’s basketball player from 2000-2004, two-time All-American, and member of one NCAA Division II championship team. Inducted into the USI Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. -
GLVC Men’s Basketball Tournament 4th Victory
In 2018 The Screaming Eagles win their fourth GLVC Men’s Basketball Tournament championship, earning a trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament where they reach the Elite Eight.
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 Screaming Eagles
For basketball fans, there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to cheering for this storied program. On the men’s side, they have won four Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Championships since 2009 – most recently in 2019 – along with two GLVC tournament titles during that same period. Furthermore, they reached as high as third place nationally in 2010 after advancing to Elite Eight status during post-season play that year!
On top of those accomplishments within basketball alone, many other sports teams associated with Southern Indiana University also boast impressive records! Baseball players from SIU can claim three regular season conference championships since 2012, while softballers can brag about five consecutive GLVC Tournament Titles between 2015-2019! Not only do these successes translate into exciting events for spectators, but they also provide excellent opportunities for student-athletes looking to develop themselves further athletically while receiving quality education simultaneously at SIU too!.
In short, if you’re looking for some school spirit or want something fun & exciting to watch, keep your eyes peeled toward what’s going on down south here at Southern Indiana University, where our beloved “Screaming Eagles" continue soaring higher & higher each day!!
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