Xavier University of Louisiana Varsity Athletics
Xavier University of Louisiana maintains a rich tradition of athletic competition, currently fielding 12 intercollegiate varsity sports. The university's athletic landscape is a blend of long-standing legacies and modern revivals, fostering a spirit of competition across men's, women's, and co-ed programs.
The journey of Xavier athletics has not been without challenges. During the mid to late 1950s, the university faced dwindling enrollment and the high costs associated with operating intercollegiate programs at a small institution. These factors, combined with urgent facility needs, led to the discontinuation of all athletic programs in 1960. While many programs were successfully restarted in 1967, football remained the primary casualty and never returned to the campus.
Key Facts
- Current Sports: 12 varsity programs including basketball, tennis, track & field, and cross country.
- Historic Hiatus: All athletic programs were suspended in 1960 and largely restarted in 1967.
- Basketball Legacy: The men's team is historically known as the "Golden Rush," "Gold Rush," or "Cagers."
- Recent Revivals: Baseball and softball programs returned to competition in 2021.
- National Success: Multiple programs have achieved NAIA National Championship appearances and titles.
Basketball Programs
Basketball stands as one of the most storied programs at Xavier. The men's team began official play in the 1926-1927 season on the "Old Xavier" campus. By the early 1930s, the program was producing elite talent for professional teams, most notably Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton of the Harlem Globetrotters. The men's team was crowned co-champions of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in 1959, just before the 1960 hiatus.
The women's basketball program has seen extraordinary success in the modern era, particularly within the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)—the governing body for small college athletics.
Basketball Accomplishments
| Category | Men's Team | Women's Team |
|---|---|---|
| NAIA Div I National Appearances | 17 | 19 |
| GCAC Regular-Season Titles | 10 | 13 |
| GCAC Tournament Titles | 1 | 13 |
Diamond Sports: Baseball and Softball
Baseball has a sporadic history at Xavier, dating back to the high school era of the 1920s and 30s. In 1932, the team was largely a student-led initiative, with players providing their own equipment and calling themselves the "College Rah-Rahs." After a gap of over 60 years, the program was revived in 2019, playing its first game on February 23, 2021.
Similarly, the softball program launched its first game in February 2021. Both the baseball and softball programs have benefited from a partnership with Major League Baseball, which provides Wesley Barrow Stadium as their home field.
Court, Track, and Field Sports
Xavier's dominance extends beyond the basketball court into tennis, cross country, and track and field. The men's track and field team holds a particularly impressive record in the SIAC, with 14 outdoor championships between 1938 and 1958.
Tennis and Volleyball Success
- Men's Tennis: 8 NAIA National Championship appearances and 5 GCAC titles.
- Women's Tennis: 9 NAIA National Championship appearances and 7 GCAC titles.
- Volleyball: A powerhouse in the GCAC, winning 5 consecutive regular-season and tournament championships from 2011 to 2015.
Cross Country and Track
Both men's and women's cross country teams have frequently appeared in NAIA National Championships, with both teams securing NAIA Region XIII titles in 2002. The women's track and field team has also secured 5 GCAC Outdoor Championships.
Co-ed and Spirit Programs
The university's spirit programs have achieved significant national recognition. The competitive cheerleading team has secured NAIA National Championships in 2022 and 2026, as well as an NCA National Championship in 2024. Additionally, the Gold Star Dancers have placed third and fourth in the Black College National Championships in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Xavier discontinue its athletic programs in 1960?
The discontinuation was caused by a combination of declining enrollment in the late 1950s, the high cost of maintaining intercollegiate sports at a small school, and a need to prioritize other university facilities.
Which sport was not brought back after the 1967 restart?
Football was the main program that did not return to the Xavier campus following the athletic hiatus.
Who is a notable professional athlete from Xavier's basketball history?
Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, who played for the Harlem Globetrotters, is one of the top professional players produced by the university.
Where do the baseball and softball teams play their home games?
Both teams play at Wesley Barrow Stadium, provided through the assistance of Major League Baseball.
What are the nicknames associated with the men's basketball team?
The team has been referred to as the "Golden Rush," "Gold Rush," and the "Cagers."