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Northeastern State RiverHawks
Athletic teams representing Northeastern State University From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Northeastern State RiverHawks are the athletic teams that represent Northeastern State University, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the Division II ranks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for most of its sports since the 2012–13 academic year;[2][3][4] while its men's soccer team competes in the Great American Conference (GAC). The RiverHawks previously competed as an NCAA D-II Independent during the 2011–12 school year; in the D-II Lone Star Conference (LSC) from 1997–98 to 2010–11; and in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1974–75 to 1996–97.
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Name change
Northeastern State University announced on May 23, 2006, that it would be dropping "Redmen" and selecting a new mascot. The change was made proactively in response to the 2005 NCAA Native American mascot decision.[5] The university announced its new athletic name as the RiverHawks on November 14, 2006.[6]
Varsity teams
NSU competes in 10 intercollegiate sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and tennis.
On June 30, 2025, NSU announced it would add seven varsity teams over the next two years. Men's and women's wrestling, along with volleyball, will debut as varsity sports in the 2026–27 academic year, and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men's and women's cross country, will be added for the 2027–28 academic year. Previously, in March 2025, NSU announced the revival of the men's tennis program following a 24-year absence, set for competition in the 2025 fall season. In total, NSU will have ten additional programs eligible for national championship opportunities for student-athletes. [7]
Men's basketball
In 2003, the men's basketball team won the NCAA Division II National Championship, beating Kentucky Wesleyan 75–64.[8]
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Spirit Squads
The university also offers participation in spirit squads at athletic and other school sponsored events.
Cheerleading
The Squad last competed in National Cheerleaders Association collegiate nationals in 2013, placing 3rd in the Intermediate Coed Division II category.
Pom Squad
The Northeastern State University pom squad is currently coached by Lauren Perez.
Notable alumni
- Carrie Underwood, American Idol winner and country music singer
- Billy Bock, late baseball coach for four high schools winning nine state titles
- Jarrett Byers, former St. Louis Rams wide receiver
- Larry Coker, former head coach at the University of Miami
- Bob Hudson, former NFL player
- Ronnie Jones, American football coach
- Derrick Moore, former NFL player
- Ryan Helsley, All-Star relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
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References
External links
Wikiwand - on
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