College Sports Established
1903
Location
Kalamazoo, Michigan
College Name
Western Michigan University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1947 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1947 - Present / MAC Conference
Nickname
Broncos - For Western Michigan Broncos fans, the origin of their beloved team's nickname is a story that dates back to 1939. It all began when then-athletic director Dwight B. Waldo wanted to give the school’s athletic teams an identity and chose “Broncos” as its mascot. The name was inspired by President Franklin D Roosevelt's "New Deal" program, which gave financial aid to farmers struggling due to drought in the Midwest at that time—a symbol of strength and resilience for those facing tough times ahead.
The Bronco mascot has been a part of Western Michigan University ever since, growing each passing year into one of college football's most recognizable symbols today! From its humble beginnings in 1939, it has become synonymous with WMU athletics over time; from men’s basketball games on campus featuring live bronco rides around midcourt during halftime shows or even watching our cheerleaders perform stunts while wearing full-on cowboy hats!
As we continue our journey through this NCAA season, let us take pride in knowing where our beloved Bronco moniker comes from: A symbol of strength and resilience during trying times – something that will always be remembered here at WMU Athletics!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1958
- 2004
- 2016
- 2018
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Western Michigan Broncos plays its first baseball game
Western Michigan played its first baseball game in the spring of 1958, which resulted in a 10-0 loss to Grand Valley State. The game was played on April 26, 1958, at Kalamazoo’s Mayors Riverfront Park, which served as the home field for the Broncos during their early years. Despite the loss, Western Michigan continued to build its baseball program and ... -
The Broncos Basketball team win their first MAC championship
The 2004 season was a historic year for the Western Michigan men’s basketball team. The Broncos finished the regular season with a 26-4 overall record and a 15-1 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), earning them their first-ever MAC championship. As a result, they received an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking their first appearance in the tournament in ... -
The Broncos win their fifth MAC championship
The 2016 season was a historic year for the Western Michigan football program. The Broncos finished the regular season with an undefeated 13-0 record and won their fifth Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. As a result, they received an invitation to play in the Cotton Bowl Classic, marking their first appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl game and their first ... -
David Kool Pro Basketball Player – Hall of Fame
David Kool is a former men’s basketball player for the Western Michigan Broncos who was inducted into the Western Michigan University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Kool played for the Broncos from 2006 to 2010 and is widely considered one of the greatest players in program history. During his four-year career, Kool amassed numerous accolades and set several program ...
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History of the Broncos
In 1946, Western Michigan joined the MAC and began competing in football for the first time since 1921. Since then, they've appeared in 10 bowl games, including four Cotton Bowls (1951 & 1952) and two Holiday Bowls (1986 & 1988). The program has also seen great success on both sides of the ball with numerous All-Americans over its history, such as wide receiver Greg Jennings who won Super Bowl XLV with Green Bay Packers after being drafted by them out of WMU's 2006 draft class which included three players taken within first round alone!
The men’s basketball team had made 11 appearances at March Madness dating back to 1974 when they were led by legendary coach Don Boven who was inducted into National Collegiate Basketball Hall Fame 2018 after leading his squad all way Final Four 1975 season! They also reached Sweet Sixteen 1984 before making it Elite Eight 1999 under head coach Bob Donewald Jr. Additionally, the baseball program had notable success during the mid-2000s winning regular season conference titles in 2004 and 2005 2008, while the softball team captured five straight tournament championships, from 2003 through 2007, becoming the only school ever to do so in that span period!
Other Bronco sports programs include women’s soccer, volleyball, cross country/track field, hockey, tennis, golf, lacrosse, swimming, diving, rowing equestrian triathlon, water polo, rugby, ultimate frisbee, archery, air rifle shooting, bowling, cricket curling disc golf, ice hockey paintball, racquetball, sand volleyball, ski, snowboard surfing wakeboarding wrestling, etc. With so many opportunities for athletes to compete and excel academically and athletically, there is no better place than WMU to be a collegiate experience like no other, where students can genuinely become champions in life beyond just playing field courts and stadiums around campus or worldwide!
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