College Sports Established
1946
Location
Chicago, Illinois
College Name
University of Illinois Chicago
Collegiate History
1981 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2022 - Present / Missouri Valley Conference
1994 - 2022 / Horizon League
1982 - 1994 / Mid-Continent Conference
Nickname
Flames - The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Flames have been a beloved college sports team for decades. But how did the UIC Flames get their name?
It all began in 1982 when the school sought a new nickname and mascot for its athletic teams. After much discussion and debate, it was decided that “Flames” would be chosen as the official moniker of UIC Athletics due to its symbolic representation of courage, strength, passion, and energy – values that embody what it means to be part of an athletics program.
In addition to these core values associated with flames, this choice also has historical significance. The university’s original name before changing in 1982 was Circle Campus - named after the circular layout designed by architect Walter Netsch - which featured two large towers connected by bridges on either side known as "the wings." These wings were often called "flames" because they appeared like fire shooting out from each tower's base into infinity – thus making them perfect symbols for representing UIC Athletics' spirit!
In addition to being an iconic symbol throughout campus history since then, the Flames have become one NCAA Division I powerhouse over time! With numerous conference championships under their belt, including 5 Horizon League titles since 2000 alone, along with dozens more individual awards won annually across all sports- It's no wonder why so many students & alumni alike continue proudly cheering on their beloved Flame-clad athletes every season!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1998
- 2004
- 2008
- 2017
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UIC Flames men’s basketball team wins the MCC championship
In 1998, the UIC Flames men’s basketball team won the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (MCC) championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Flames, led by head coach Jimmy Collins, entered the tournament as a #12 seed in the West Region. In the first round of the tournament, the Flames faced off against the #5 seeded University of Florida ... -
Kenny Williams – UIC Flames Basketball Player
Kenny Williams was a standout basketball player for the UIC Flames from 2004 to 2008. Williams was a guard who played with great intensity and a relentless work ethic, earning him the nickname “The Junkyard Dog.” During his four-year career at UIC, Williams set a number of school records, including career steals (239), steals in a season (84), and steals ... -
UIC Flames baseball team wins the Horizon League championship
In 2008, the UIC Flames baseball team won the Horizon League championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Flames, led by head coach Mike Dee, entered the tournament as a #4 seed in the Ann Arbor Regional. In the first round of the tournament, the Flames faced off against the #1 seeded University of Michigan Wolverines. The ... -
UIC Flames baseball team wins the Horizon League championship
In 2017, the UIC Flames baseball team won the Horizon League championship for the second time in three years, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Flames, led by head coach Mike Dee, entered the tournament as a #4 seed in the Lubbock Regional. In the first round of the tournament, the Flames faced off against the #1 ...
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History of the Flames
Throughout their time as a member of the Horizon League, The UIC Flames have consistently competed at a high level against some very tough competition from around the Midwest region. From 1985-1993 they won seven consecutive regular season titles while making six straight tournament appearances, including three trips to March Madness! While they were unable to make it out past round two during these years, they still managed to put together some impressive wins along with several memorable moments throughout those seasons, which will be remembered by fans always!
In recent years however, things hadn’t gone relatively smoothly for The UIC Flame’s program - having not made an appearance since 2003 when they lost to Ohio State in Round 1 on their way out from March Madness once again without any success beyond that point either year after year… That said, though, despite all this disappointment, there remains something special about being able to call yourself alumni or fan who supports such a longstanding team like The University Of Illinois At Chicago's own 'Flames' squad - especially if you're lucky enough to witness them return onto center stage soon enough where hopefully we'll see them reach new heights never before seen by our beloved school here today!
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