College Sports Established
1964
Location
Fairborn, Ohio
College Name
Wright State University
Collegiate History
1991 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1994 - Present / Horizon League
1991 - 1994 / Mid-Continent Conference
Nickname
Raiders - Regarding sports teams, nicknames can be just as important as the team. Wright State University's Raiders' nickname is steeped in history and tradition.
The name “Raiders” was chosen to reference early settlers of the area who were known as raiders or pioneers because they had ventured into new territories and established settlements in what would later become Ohio. This rich history dates back to 1848 when James McLean founded a settlement near Dayton named "McLeansboro." The town was later renamed Fairfield after another settler from Virginia named John Fairfield arrived there with his family in 1863 and became an influential figure within the community. In 1967, this same area became home to Wright State University, which adopted “Raiders” as its official nickname shortly after that due to its historical significance, thus making them one of only two universities at that time (the other being Miami) whose mascot honored pioneer settlers rather than Native Americans or animals like bears or tigers!
Today, Wright State Raiders continue their proud tradition by competing against some of college athletics' most elite programs nationally and internationally while proudly representing their university colors - blue & gold - and displaying fierce pride whenever they participate in any athletic event! So whether you're a die-hard fan cheering them on from your couch at home or attending games live inside Nutter Center Arena – Go Raiders!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1983
- 2019
- 2021
- 2023
-
NCAA National Championship
The Wright State Raiders men’s basketball team currently competes in the Horizon League at the NCAA Division I level. The Raiders won their only national championship in 1983 as an NCAA Division II school. They have made a total of four NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament appearances. The Raiders has seen the national spotlight several times since the program ... -
First NCAA Soccer Berth
The Wright State Raiders men’s soccer program represents Wright State University in all NCAA Division I men’s college soccer competitions. Founded in 1968, the Raiders compete in the Horizon League. n 2019, for the first time in program history, the Raiders earned a berth into the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament. -
Triple conference tournament championships
The Wright State Raiders women’s basketball first sponsored women’s basketball in 1973. The school’s team currently competes in the Horizon League. The team earned its first NCAA Tournament win in March 2021, upsetting the No. 4 Arkansas Razorbacks 66–62. Wright State has 3 conference tournament championships. On March 16, 2014 they defeated Green Bay 88–69 to clinch their first Horizon ... -
Raiders baseball Legacy
The Wright State Raiders baseball was founded in 1971 where it started off in Division II until 1988. The team has won 12 conference regular season championships, 12 conference tournament championships, and has appeared in the NCAA tournament 10 times. WSU won the 2023 Horizon League Tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
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 Raiders
One moment that stands out for many fans was when they upset then No.1 seed Louisville Cardinals during March Madness back in 2019 to advance into round two of the tournament - something no other team from outside Ohio had done before them! This game set off a fantastic WSU basketball run, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and Horizon League titles over recent years.
Wright State also boasts some impressive accomplishments across all sports, including winning several conference championships throughout their time at the Division I level, such as four regular season championships (baseball), three Midwestern Collegiate Conference Championships (men's soccer), two Horizon League Baseball Tournaments (baseball) and one Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship just last year! They are also home to numerous All-Americans who have made names for themselves professionally or academically after graduating from WSU, such as former NBA player Mike Miller or current NFL quarterback Joe Burrow.
Additionally, there is much more than wins & losses associated with being a Raider fan; it’s about having pride & spirit within your community, which can be seen through various events hosted by WSU Athletics like “Raiderpalooza,” where students come together annually celebrate everything related Wright State University Sports teams. It truly is remarkable how far this program has come since its early days – so if you want to experience what it means to be part of the Raider Nation family, you need to get yourself down Dayton ASAP!
Sports Fan Products
