Ball State University Athletics: A History of the Cardinals
Ball State University, located in Muncie, Indiana, boasts a rich athletic history. The Ball State Cardinals represent the university in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, with the football program competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). As a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the Cardinals have built a tradition of competition and achievement across various sports.
From Hoosieroons to Cardinals: The Evolution of a Nickname
In its early years, Ball State's athletic teams were known as the Hoosieroons. However, the university sought a shorter, more distinctive nickname. Then-President L.A. Pittenger expressed his preference for a concise moniker to The Easterner, Ball State's newspaper, stating, "[Hoosieroons] is entirely too long". The shift occurred on the morning of November 30, when athletic director Paul "Billy" Williams and head football coach Norman G. Wann conceived the "Cardinals" nickname after being inspired by a St. Louis Cardinals sweatshirt. They reasoned that the cardinal, being the state bird of Indiana, would be a fitting representation. In a student body vote, "Cardinals" overwhelmingly won with 234 votes out of 500, while "Hoosieroons" received 77 votes.
Football: A Century of Gridiron Glory
The Ball State Cardinals football team has a long and storied history, dating back to its early days as a teacher's college. From 1937 to 1956, Ball State participated in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). In 1957, they transitioned to a Small College school until 1972. The Cardinals have an overall record of 476-455-32, placing them among the top programs in NCAA FBS history. The Cardinals play their home games at Scheumann Stadium.
The program has seen 19 head coaches guide the Cardinals throughout its history.
Memorable Moments
The 2008 season stands out as a landmark year for Ball State football. On October 5, 2008, the Cardinals achieved their first-ever ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 poll. They climbed as high as 12th in the nation during the season. They completed the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record, including an 8-0 mark in conference play, capturing the MAC West Division championship. However, their quest for a conference title was thwarted by Buffalo in the MAC Championship at Ford Field in Detroit.
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Rivalries and Trophies
Ball State has cultivated several rivalries over the years. The annual game against the Miami RedHawks is a notable contest. The Cardinals first played the Miami RedHawks football team in 1931. Ball State and Northern Illinois have battled for the Bronze Stalk Trophy. Since the trophy's inception, the Cardinals have faced Northern Illinois six times. Another significant rivalry is with Indiana State University, with the winner claiming the Victory Bell.
Bowl Game Appearances
The Cardinals have participated in eight Division I bowl games, providing opportunities for national exposure and memorable experiences for players and fans.
Basketball: From Humble Beginnings to March Madness
The Ball State Cardinals basketball program began in 1920-21. The Cardinals have experienced varying levels of success throughout their history. The 1980s and 1990s marked a golden era for the program, with the Cardinals winning a record seven MAC tournaments between 1981 and 2000.
Upset Victories and NCAA Tournament Runs
The 2001 Maui Invitational Tournament saw the Cardinals pull off stunning upsets, defeating #4 Kansas and #3 UCLA on consecutive days. The Ball State Cardinals' women's basketball team achieved a historic milestone in 2009. They won their first MAC tournament and earned their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. As a 12th seed, they upset 5th-seeded Tennessee 71-55 in the first round. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time in the 28-year history of the women's NCAA Tournament that the Lady Volunteers had lost in the first round. The Cardinals' Cinderella story continued until the second round, where they fell to the Iowa State Cyclones 57-71.
Baseball: Diamond Tradition
The Ball State baseball team competes in the MAC West Division and plays its home games at Ball Diamond. The team's head coach is Rich Maloney, who previously coached the Cardinals before a stint at the University of Michigan. The program began in 1918.
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The Cardinals have had 8 players drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft.
Other Sports
Ball State sponsors teams in seven men's and 12 women's NCAA sanctioned sports. The men's volleyball team is a member of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association.
Alumni in Professional Sports
Numerous Ball State athletes have gone on to play professionally in various sports, including the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), and Arena Football League (AFL). Some notable alumni include:
- Blaine Bishop: A former NFL safety.
- Timmy Brown: A former NFL player.
- Kenny Stucker: A former player in the Arena Football League.
Conference Affiliations
The Ball State Cardinals have been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since its inception. From 1997 until the abolishment of divisions after the 2023 season, it had been a member of the conference's West Division in football.
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