In the late 1800s, athletics at George Washington University were mainly limited to informal recreational activities. However, in the 1890s, the university began to form its first organized sports teams. These teams included football, baseball, and basketball, which would go on to become some of the university’s most popular and successful sports programs.

The football team, which was formed in 1890, played its first intercollegiate game in 1892 against nearby Georgetown University. The baseball team was also formed in 1890 and played its first games against local amateur clubs. The basketball team was formed in 1895 and played its first game against the YMCA of Washington, DC.

These early teams were mostly composed of students who were also involved in other extracurricular activities, such as debate and music. They played against local clubs and other colleges, including Georgetown, Catholic University, and Johns Hopkins. While the teams faced challenges such as limited funding and facilities, they laid the foundation for the future of athletics at George Washington University.