College Sports Established
1905
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
College Name
Tulane University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2014 - Present / American Athletic Conference
1995 - 2014 / Conference USA
1985 - 1995 - Independent
1975 - 1985 / Metro Conference
1966 - 1975 - Independent
1932 - 1966 / Southwest Conference
Nickname
Green Wave - The Tulane Green Wave is an NCAA Division I college football team that has been a part of the American Athletic Conference since 2014. The Green Wave’s mascot is Riptide, and their colors are olive green and sky blue. But what about the origin of their nickname?
It all began in 1893 when Tulane University was founded as a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana. At this time, most colleges had nicknames for their teams, such as “Tigers” or “Lions,” but not Tulane; they were known as "The Olive and Blue" after the school's official colors at that time - olive green & sky blue. It wasn't until 1920 that sportswriter Owen Bird coined "Green Wave." He wrote:
“On Saturday afternoon, we will witness one of those great tidal waves which roll up from Lake Pontchartrain to drown every opposing eleven on its way…we shall call it 'the Green wave.' Go ye forth then into battle! And may your efforts be crowned with victory!"
Bird's description perfectly captured how powerful and unstoppable he believed his alma mater would become on game day—like a giant rolling wave crashing over anything in its path! This imagery resonated strongly among students who adopted it quickly, officially making it part of school culture by 1922 after several successful seasons under Coach Bernie Bierman (who led them to three consecutive national championships). From thereon out, The Olive & Blue became synonymous with The Green Wave forever – even though they changed back to using only navy blue uniforms during World War II due to wartime shortages of materials used for sports apparel manufacturing (olive green being difficultly sourced). Today, however, you can still find both colors proudly represented throughout campus grounds – just like they were initially intended many decades ago!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1999
- 2005
- 2013
- 2019
- 2020
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Spread Offense QB Shaun King Green Wave
After graduating from Gibbs High School in 1995, King played college football at Tulane University from 1995 to 1998, leading Tulane to an undefeated season and a win over Brigham Young University in the Liberty Bowl, in the process setting the single-season NCAA Division I-A record for passing efficiency in 1998 of 183.3. In the same year, he became the ... -
The baseball team reaches the College World Series
In 2005: The baseball team reaches the College World Series for the third time, finishing third. The women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament for the ninth time in ten years, losing to Baylor in the first round. -
Yulman Stadium opens as the new on-campus home for Tulane football
In 2013: Yulman Stadium opens as the new on-campus home for Tulane football, replacing Louisiana Superdome. -
football team wins Armed Forces Bowl
In 2019: The football team wins its second consecutive bowl game, defeating Southern Miss in the Armed Forces Bowl. -
football team wins the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
In 2020: The football team wins its third consecutive bowl game, defeating Nevada in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
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 Green Wave
The Green Wave's football team was founded in 1893 and won its first conference title three decades later. Since then, they've had some great success on the gridiron, including several bowl game appearances throughout their history, such as winning four consecutive Liberty Bowls from 1979-1982 under legendary coach Wally English who went on to become an inductee into both Tulane Athletics Hall Of Fame & New Orleans Sports Hall Of Fame for his accomplishments with The Green Wave Football Team. In 2013 they made school history by becoming bowl eligible for five straight years, including two Conference USA Championships (2013 & 2014). They also produced future NFL players like Ryan Grant, who played seven seasons with the Washington Redskins after being drafted by them out of the Tulanes Program back in 2007.
On another side, the Basketball program started up during the 1905–06 season but didn't take off until 1923 when Warren Miller took over coaching duties at that time leading them all way till 1941 when he retired after 18 Seasons with an overall record of 203–110 (.648) making him second winningest Coach ever behind Tom Penders (197 Wins)in program History. During this period, they were able to make 3 NIT Appearances along 1 NCAA Tournament Appearance Under His Coaching Tenure, plus Producing Future NBA Players Like Jerald Honeycutt, Who Played 10 Years With the Sacramento Kings After Being Drafted By Them Out Of the TU Program Back 1997 Along With John “Hot Rod” Williams Who Also Spent 9 Years Playing For Cleveland Cavaliers After Being Selected By Them During 1985 NBA Draft Out Off TU Roster As Well As Other Pro Players Such As David Benoit And Marcus Kinzer, etc...
Today's green wave teams continue to strive toward greatness while proudly representing Tulane University across various collegiate divisions nationwide! Whether you're cheering your favorite team onto victory or watching from home, we invite you to join us here at Tulane sports fan blog so you can follow all the latest news regarding our beloved Greenwave!
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