University of Maryland Sports History and Traditions

The University of Maryland, College Park, boasts a rich athletic history and vibrant traditions, fostering a strong sense of community and pride among students, alumni, and fans. From its early days as Maryland Agricultural College to its current status as a member of the Big Ten Conference, UMD has established itself as a prominent force in collegiate athletics.

The Terrapin Mascot: A Symbol of Maryland

The diamondback terrapin, a turtle native to the Chesapeake Bay region, holds a special place in the university's identity. In 1933, the Class of 1933 donated the funds for a statue of the diamondback terrapin, which became the university's mascot. The nickname "Terrapins," or "Terps" for short, was coined in 1932 by Harry C. "Curley" Byrd, then the school's football coach and later university president. Byrd, a native of the Eastern Shore where terrapins were abundant, recognized the strong connection between the reptile and the state of Maryland.

The original campus statue, affectionately named "Testudo," stands outside McKeldin Library. Students rub Testudo's nose for good luck and leave offerings during finals, solidifying its place as a beloved symbol of the university. Testudo has become synonymous with the University of Maryland and the state of Maryland.

A Legacy of Athletic Excellence

The University of Maryland is home to one of the premiere intercollegiate athletics programs in the country. Eight Terrapin programs have combined to win a total of 44 national championships for the University of Maryland, which is the 2nd most of any Big Ten school. Since joining the Big Ten for the 2014-15 season, the Terrapins have been extremely successful, capturing 16 team titles - tied for the most in that span with Michigan. The Terrapins have a combined 44 men's and women's national championships.

The Maryland Terrapins, commonly referred to as the Terps, consist of 19 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Maryland, College Park in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I competition.

Basketball

Maryland basketball has a storied history, marked by periods of both success and challenges. Burton Shipley served as the first and longest-serving basketball coach, but his tenure from 1923 to 1947 was a quiet one. In 1969, Charles "Lefty" Driesell was hired, ushering in a new era for the program.

Driesell is credited with starting the tradition of "Midnight Madness," marking the first official day of team practice. In 1972, Maryland secured the National Invitation Tournament championship. The 1974 ACC men's basketball tournament saw Maryland face North Carolina State in a game considered one of the greatest in college basketball history. In 1984, Driesell led the team to its second ACC Tournament Championship.

Gary Williams took over as head coach in 1989 and revitalized the program. In 2002, he led the Terrapins to their first national championship, defeating Indiana.

The Maryland Terrapins women's basketball team has also achieved national prominence. After success in the 1980s, the team reached its full potential in 2006, winning the NCAA National Championship.

Football

An unofficial football team existed as early as the Civil War era, but the official program was established in 1892. H. C. "Curley" Byrd, later the university president, played and coached for the team.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Paul "Bear" Bryant began his coaching career at Maryland in 1945. Jim Tatum led Maryland football to its greatest success, achieving a 73-15-4 record. NCAA recognized selectors awarded Maryland the national football championship in 1951 and 1953.

In 1962, Darryl Hill broke the color barrier in the Atlantic Coast Conference by joining the Maryland football team. Jerry Claiborne led Maryland to three consecutive ACC championships from 1974 to 1976, and Bobby Ross repeated the feat from 1983 to 1985.

The football program has secured two NCAA-recognized national championships, nine ACC championships, two Southern Conference championships, eleven consensus All-America honors, and twenty-four bowl game appearances.

Lacrosse

The Terrapins men's lacrosse team boasts a tradition-rich history, with numerous NCAA Championship appearances and titles. The team won the title in 1973, 1975, and 2017. As members of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the school won a league-record 25 championships.

Soccer

The Maryland Terrapins men's soccer team has won four NCAA Division I College Cup national championships, most recently in 2018. Under head coach Sasho Cirovski, the team has reached nine Final Fours and won three College Cups since 1997. The team has cultivated a large and devoted fan base. The Terrapins women's soccer team has also made 13 NCAA tournament appearances.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Other Sports

The Terrapins softball team has made four NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to joining the Big Ten, the Terrapins wrestling team was a dominant force in the ACC. The Maryland Figure Skating Club and the Maryland Terrapins rugby team also contribute to the diverse athletic landscape at UMD.

Traditions and Spirit

UMD has a number of traditions that promote school spirit and unity. Students can attend home games free of charge. Students unfurl an enormous Maryland flag and shake a copy of the student newspaper at a men's basketball game.

Fan Traditions

Many fan traditions contribute to the atmosphere at Maryland athletic events. The Mighty Sound of Maryland performs at every home football game, creating a dedicated cheering section. The Victory Song and Fight Song are integral to the game-day experience at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. The Terrapin Spirit Squad and the Maryland Dance Team add to the pageantry and excitement of Maryland Athletics.

Tailgate parties are a significant tradition, taking place in various locations around campus. The Crew, a fan organization supporting the soccer teams, exemplifies school spirit. Terp Walk involves the football team, cheerleading squad, and marching band walking to the stadium before home games.

Facilities

Maryland boasts a variety of athletic facilities, including:

Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium: Home to the football and men's lacrosse teams.
XFINITY Center: The largest arena at UMD, hosting basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, and volleyball.
Bob "Turtle" Smith Stadium: The home of Maryland Baseball, recently upgraded with a high-tech playing surface.
Ludwig Field: The complex for the men's and women's soccer teams.
Intramural Sports: Bring together Terps to participate in leagues, tournaments and events.
Club sports: Offer opportunities for developing friendships, building leadership skills, learning a new sport and improving skills.
Recreational Facilities: The biggest fitness hub on campus offers an Olympic-size indoor pool; outdoor pool; 55-foot climbing wall; challenge course; basketball, racquetball and squash courts; fitness and weight rooms and more.
Ritchie Coliseum: The historic indoor facility houses basketball, volleyball and badminton courts.
Elkton Hall: This former arena features a basketball court, fitness room, weight room, training space and more.
The Beach: Commonly referred to as “The Beach," this space is used for free play activities like pickup soccer and volleyball games, as well as special events.
University Golf Course: The home of the men’s and women’s golf teams is an 18-hole Audubon-certified public course.

Hall of Fame

Induction into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame represents the highest athletic honor the University can bestow.

Rivalries

Maryland has a number of historic rivalries with other universities. The longstanding multi-sport border rivalry with the Virginia Cavaliers is fueled by geographic proximity, shared history, and competition for recruits. The football rivalry with the West Virginia Mountaineers is a high-quality non-conference matchup. While Duke fans may not consider Maryland a rival, Maryland fans traditionally see the Duke game as the biggest game of the year. Maryland also has a matchup with Navy dubbed the Crab Bowl Classic.

Key Moments in UMD Sports History

The University of Maryland has witnessed many significant events that have shaped its athletic identity.

1912: A fire destroys many college records.
1933: Members of the Class of 1933 donate the money for Testudo.
1951: Hiram Whittle, the first African American undergraduate student, enrolls.
1957: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visit campus for a football game.
1963: Darryl Hill becomes the first Black football player at Maryland and in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
1993: The College Park-University of Maryland Metro station opens.
2002: Maryland men's basketball wins its first national championship.
2006: Maryland women's basketball wins the NCAA National Championship.

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