About Miami RedHawks
Miami RedHawks football program began in 1888 and basketball joined in 18 years later. For many years the RedHawks played as independent team but since the forties Miami University has been a member of Mid- American Conference, East division in NCAA Division I (FBS for football).
The university’s colours are red and white and they are represented by mascot, Swoop the Redhawk.
The RedHawks are arch enemies with the Ohio Bobcats and they also have a rival in Cincinnati Bearcats.
Football programs at Miami University are quite popular and successful without winning a national championship. To date the RedHawks compiled all- time record of 661-401-44 and won 22 conference titles along the way. Their first Bowl appearance happened in 1948 at Sun Bowl where the RedHawks (then Redskins) won against Texas Tech and their last Bowl game occurred in 2011 at GoDaddy.com Bowl with a win against Middle Tennessee. Overall the RedHawks are 7-3 in Bowl Games.
The program is nicknamed “Cradle of Coaches” due to the fact it has been very successful at developing football coaches who went to have great careers at NFL level including Sean Payton and John Harbaugh both of which led their teams to NFL Super Bowl wins.
As far as players go, their best known product in NFL is Ben Roethlisberger, two time Super Bowl champion with Pittsburgh Steelers who he played for since 2004 when he was drafted in first round.
Big Ben as he is better known by this nickname was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, NFL Passing yards co- leader and youngest starting quarterback to win Super Bowl game. He also had three “Perfect Games” during his career.
Basketball programs have been staying behind football ones but still have some successes to their name as the RedHawks reached the Sweet Sixteen four times out of 19 NCAA tournaments they took part in.
The university was conference tournament champion four times and they won 20 conference regular season titles to date.
Their one of most accomplished in NBA players, is Ron Harper, guard who won five NBA championships, three with the Bulls and two with the Lakers. He’s been known for his clutch performance and 3 pointers despite not having a great percentage during his career.
Miami University’s priority is the successful football program but one wanting to play basketball and succeed in it can do it here too as the history displays well.
