Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians Explained

Haskell Indian Nations
Fighting Indians
University:Haskell Indian Nations University
Association:NAIA
Division:Region IV
Conference:Continental (primary)
Director:Dr Zach Wilkerson
Location:Lawrence, Kansas
Teams:11
Stadium:Haskell Memorial Stadium
Nickname:Fighting Indians
Fightsong:Onward, Haskell!
Color1:Purple
Color2:Gold
Color3:White
Hex1:49176e
Hex2:fcb217
Hex3:ffffff
Pageurl:http://www.haskellathletics.com

The Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians are the athletic teams that represent Haskell Indian Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas, in intercollegiate sports as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing as an NAIA Independent within the Continental Athletic Conference since the 2015–16 academic year. The Fighting Indians previously competed in the defunct Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) from 2001–02 to 2014–15 (when the conference dissolved).[1]

Varsity teams

HINU competes in 11 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball, cross country, golf and track & field (indoor and outdoor); women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor)[2] and volleyball. Club sports include baseball and boxing. Former sports included football and co-ed cheerleading.

Football

See main article: Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians football.

Haskell fielded their first football team in 1896.[3] From the 1900s to the 1930s, Haskell’s football program was referred to as the “Powerhouse of the West,” playing teams such as Harvard, Yale, Brown, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma A&M, Wisconsin and Minnesota.[4] But in 1931, a new superintendent (R. D. Baldwin) made the decision to shift the college football team to high school status following the 1931 season. With fewer teams available to play, Haskell dropped football after the 1938 season.[3] Football at Haskell would not be resumed again until 1990.

Due to funding shortfalls, Haskell suspended football for the 2015 season.[5]

Men's basketball

Men's basketball at Haskell has brought nationwide attention with its ability to bring Native American talent to the basketball court.[6]

Women's basketball

Women's basketball at Haskell Indian Nations University has made several post-season appearances including the Indian College National Basketball Tournament.

Fight song

Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians fight song is named Onward Haskell.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PlayNAIA Colleges & Universities. playnaia.org . July 13, 2015.
  2. Web site: Haskell Athletics. SID.
  3. Book: Shaping College Football: The Transformation of an American Sport, 1919-1930 - Raymond Schmidt - Google Books . June 30, 2007 . 9780815608868 . October 19, 2012. Schmidt . Raymond .
  4. Web site: Haskell Indian Nations University Commemorates 125th Anniversary, Recognizes Painful History - Higher Education . Diverseeducation.com . June 1, 2009 . October 19, 2012.
  5. Web site: Haskell suspends football program, possibly others, to cut costs.
  6. Web site: Haskell offers haven for hidden talent. ESPN. Dana O'Niell. January 13, 2010. October 19, 2012.
  7. Web site: Haskell. haskellathletics.com.