IUP Crimson Hawks

Mascot

IUP originally dubbed its sports teams the "Indians", in reference to the town and school's name, and used a costumed student as a mascot. Following movements to eliminate Native American-related mascots, the university eliminated the Indian mascot in 1991, replacing it with an American black bear named Cherokee - deriving from the name of the university's fight song, though it retained the Indian nickname.

In the early 2000s, the university actively moved to change the nickname as well. A campus poll in 2002 indicated the students favored the "Fighting Squirrels" as a nickname. In May 2006, the NCAA ruled that IUP would be prohibited from hosting postseason championship games and using the Indian nickname in postseason events, a year after the university was placed on a list of 18 schools whose mascots were non-compliant with NCAA policies. Suggestions following the NCAA ruling included hellbenders, "Ridge runners", and mining-related nicknames, all relevant to the university's location in Western Pennsylvania.

In December 2006, the Council of Trustees adopted the "Crimson Hawk" The mascot was introduced during the 2007 season-opening football game against Cheyney. In 2008, the hawk was named "Norm", in reference to the university's former name as the Indiana Normal School.

With the change of the mascot, it was for the best that IUP would change its fight song, "Cherokee", as well since it makes references to a Native American tribe. In 2007, Dr. David Martynuik, director of the marching band, composed "Crimson Xpress", the new fight song that would replace "Cherokee" and would bring in a whole new era to IUP athletics.

When a local sportswriter researched what a "Crimson Hawk" was, it was discovered that the domain name crimsonhawk.com was the site of an adult cartoon character named "Crimson Hawk". Some criticized the university's lack of research prior to making the decision. The site owner moved his content to a different domain name without the university asking or the issue being brought to court.

Facilities

University athletic facilities are roughly divided into two sections. On campus near the Eberly College of Business is George P. Miller Stadium, a 6,500 seat artificial turf stadium that serves as the venue for football, field hockey, and track & field. Adjacent to Miller Stadium is the Memorial Field House, which used to be the host to men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball, and additionally houses athletic department offices. Also inside the Field House is the Pidgeon Natatorium, which is used by the men's and women's swimming team. The South Campus Athletic Complex holds other sports venues: Owen Dougherty Field, home of the baseball team, Podbielski Field for the softball team, a soccer field and a rugby pitch.

Beginning in 1999, a construction project for a university convocation center was authorized by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. Construction began near Miller Stadium in late 2008 for the 150,000-square-foot (14,000 m²) complex that will hold a 6,000 seat arena. The Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, which opened in the fall of 2011, is the current home of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball, replacing the Memorial Field House as these teams primary venues.

Football

The university's football program dates back to the 1890s when the team competed against regional athletic clubs and other universities. In the early years, the team featured John Brallier, who would become the first paid football player. Official records by the university begin with the tenure of George Miller in 1927. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference was formed in 1951 by the members of the Pennsylvania state university system, and the university has been a member since then, winning 17 West Division titles through 2010. In 1968 the team competed and lost to heavily favored Delaware in the Boardwalk Bowl. Under Frank Cignetti, Sr., the Crimson Hawks regularly appeared in NCAA post-season competition, including two appearances in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship in 1990 and 1993. In 2012, under Curt Cignetti, the Crimson Hawks earned the PSAC title and another appearance in the NCAA Division II National Football Championship. They ultimately lost to the top seed in Super Region One, Winston-Salem State University.

Golf

Baseball

Men's basketball

Through 2010, the men's basketball team has made nine appearances in the NCAA tournament. In the first in 1994 the team advanced to the Elite Eight, after winning their regional competition. In total, the team has advanced to the Elite Eight five times, the Final Four three times, and their first national championship game in 2010, where they were defeated by the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. In 2010, Joe Lombardi was named the Basketball Times Division II Coach of the Year, following the team's finish as national runner-up.

Women's basketball

Field hockey

Soccer

Softball

The women's softball team began play in 1979. Beginning in 2009, they compete in a Central Division of the PSAC. They have made appearances in the NCAA tournament in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2010.

Volleyball

Lacrosse

The women's lacrosse program began play in 1999, and achieved their first winning season in 2001 with an 8–7 record.

Tennis

In the 2010-2011 season, the women's tennis team defeated Slippery Rock placing 2nd in their division just behind California University of Pennsylvania. The team lost in the first round to Armstrong Atlantic 5-0. The women also had the most wins ever in a season (21-8).

Cross country

Swimming

Track & field

The PSAC offers both indoor winter and outdoor spring track & field seasons.

Club sports

The university offers many club sports that compete intercollegiately but are not sponsored by the athletic department include:

The IUP orienteering team won three intercollegiate national championships (1973, 1975, 1976). In 1999, Samantha Zipp of IUP was the women's individual orienteering national champion.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni that have played for IUP teams include: