College Sports Established
1872
Location
Toledo, Ohio
College Name
University of Toledo
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1950 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1950 - Present / MAC Conference
Nickname
Rockets - The Toledo Rockets are one of the most storied teams in NCAA history, and their nickname has a special origin story. The team was originally known as the University of Toledo Rockets when they first formed in 1917. The name was chosen to honor a local World War I hero named Charles "Teddy" Flood, who had served with distinction during his time overseas.
Flood's courage and bravery inspired many people at the university, so much so that they decided to give him an honorary title: “Rocket.” This is where the team got its name – it is an homage to Teddy Flood and all he did for his country during wartime.
Since then, Rocket fans have been passionate about their beloved mascot; he represents strength, courage, and determination - traits that embody what it means to be a Rocket fan! It's no wonder why this nickname has endured over time; after all these years later, we still remember those brave men who fought for our freedom nearly 100 years ago!
So next time you cheer on your favorite college football or basketball team, don't forget about Teddy Flood – without him, there would be no such thing as “Rockets” today! Go rockets!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1971
- 1990
- 2003
- 2014
-
Toledo wins its first MAC championship
In 1971, the Toledo Rockets football team won its first-ever Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. Coached by Frank Lauterbur, the Rockets finished the regular season with a 9-1 record, including a perfect 7-0 record in MAC play. The season was highlighted by a thrilling 35-31 victory over rival Bowling Green State University, which secured the MAC championship for Toledo. The Rockets ... -
Toledo Basketball wins its third MAC championship
In 1990, the Toledo Rockets men’s basketball team won its third Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship and made its third appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Coached by Gary Colson, the Rockets finished the regular season with a 20-9 record and a 14-4 record in MAC play. The Rockets were led by All-MAC first-team guard Jay Lehman, who averaged 16.9 points per ... -
Toledo Baseball Team wins its second MAC championship
In 2003, the University of Toledo Rockets baseball team won its second Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship, marking the first time in school history that the team had won multiple conference championships. Coached by Joe Meyers, the Rockets finished the season with a 35-27 overall record and a 19-9 record in MAC play. The Rockets were led by a strong pitching ... -
Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt played college football at the University of Toledo from 2013 to 2016, where he was a standout running back for the Rockets. During his four-year college career, he rushed for 4,945 yards and 44 touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Hunt was a two-time First-Team All-MAC selection in 2014 and 2016, and he also earned Second-Team All-MAC honors ...
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 Rockets
The Toledo Rockets are one of the most storied college sports teams in NCAA history. With a long and proud tradition, they have been a part of many great moments. From their first appearance in the NCAA tournament in 1939 to their recent success as MAC champions, there is no shortage of memories for Rocket fans to cherish.
The team has had its share of ups and downs over time, but it’s always managed to stay competitive at all levels. During this period, some players like John Reimold and Bob Kostelnik made names by leading Toledo's basketball program into national prominence with multiple appearances on ESPN's SportsCenter Top 10 Plays list throughout the 2000s decade.
Toledo also experienced success on other fronts, such as football, where they won three consecutive Mid-American Conference championships from 2001-2003 under head coach Tom Amstutz who went on to become an assistant coach at Michigan State University after his tenure ended with The Rockets. In addition, the baseball program advanced twice (2005 & 2006)to regional play under then-head coach Cory Mee before eventually being eliminated both times by eventual College World Series participants in South Carolina Gamecocks. Furthermore, the softball team made two Women's College World Series trips, including one that resulted in an eighth-place finish thanks mainly to pitcher Samantha Fischer who threw five complete games while posting a 0:59 ERA during her senior year(2006).
Overall, The Toledo Rockets have enjoyed quite a bit of success since joining Division I athletics in 1979, ranging from individual achievements to conference titles, making them not only a fan favorite among local supporters but respected nationally amongst college sports fans alike!