Helena Frye
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) sponsors teams in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, and track & field. The football team, known as the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. EKU has a long history of success in football, having won 20 OVC titles and two Division I FCS National Championships (formerly called Division I-AA) in 1979 and 1982. While there has been discussion about moving the football program to the top-level Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), EKU continues to compete in the FCS as of 2023.
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What You'll Learn
EKU Colonels' football success
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels football program has a long history of success, with a strong tradition of winning seasons and championship titles. The team represents Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in college football, competing at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
The Colonels have won 20 or 21 OVC conference titles and two Division I FCS National Championships (then known as Division I-AA) in 1979 and 1982, reaching the finals in 1980 and 1981. The team also has a remarkable record of 31 consecutive winning seasons from 1979 to 2008, only posting a losing season record in 2009. Much of this success is attributed to the long tenure of head coach Roy Kidd, who led the team from 1964 to 2002. In recognition of his achievements, the school named the football stadium Roy Kidd Stadium in 1990.
Eastern Kentucky's football program is considered the first dynasty in FCS football, with a four-year run to the championship game from 1979 to 1982, during which they achieved a 46-7 record. The Colonels have appeared in six bowl games, four of which served as championship games. They are also third all-time in the FCS for playoff appearances, with 21 total appearances as of 2020.
The Colonels have a well-known rivalry with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, known as the "Battle of the Bluegrass," dating back to 1914. This rivalry has been particularly competitive, with Western Kentucky's recent move to the FBS level in 2008 adding further intrigue. Another notable rivalry exists with the Morehead State Eagles, with the antique "Old Hawg Rifle" serving as the trophy between the two schools due to their close proximity in Eastern Kentucky.
In recent years, there has been speculation about EKU moving its football program to the top-level Football Bowl Subdivision. However, no such move has been made as it would require an all-sports invitation from an existing FBS conference under NCAA rules.
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NCAA Division I Championship appearances
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) sponsors teams in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports, including eight men's and nine women's NCAA-sanctioned sports. The university's football team, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, has a rich history of success, with 20 or 21 OVC conference titles and two Division I FCS National Championships (then called Division I-AA) in 1979 and 1982. The Colonels also reached the finals in 1980 and 1981.
The team's success is often attributed to the long tenure of head coach Roy Kidd, who served from 1964 to 2002. In recognition of his contributions, the school named the football stadium Roy Kidd Stadium in 1990. The Colonels have also appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times and participated in six bowl games, four of which served as championship games.
In addition to football, EKU has seen success in other sports. The men's golf team has won 12 Ohio Valley Conference championships between 1975 and 2015. The basketball team plays its home games at Alumni Coliseum, located on the EKU campus. While EKU has traditionally excelled in football, the school supports a variety of intercollegiate varsity sports, fostering a well-rounded athletic program.
In recent years, there has been speculation about EKU's potential move to the top-level Football Bowl Subdivision. However, under NCAA rules, such a transition would require an all-sports invitation from an existing FBS conference, and ultimately, no such move was made. Instead, EKU left the OVC and joined the ASUN Conference in July 2021, competing in the United Athletic Conference (UAC) for football.
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Basketball and other sports
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a member of the NCAA Division I ranks and primarily competes in the ASUN Conference. The EKU Colonels are the university's intercollegiate athletic teams. The men's basketball team consists of 17 players, a head coach, and five assistant coaches. The women's basketball team is made up of 16 players, a head coach, and three assistant coaches. Both teams have impressive academic progress rates, with the men's team scoring 948 and the women's team scoring 978.
The men's basketball team generated $1,916,065 in revenue and spent the same amount in expenses, while the women's team made $1,148,174 in revenue and spent an equal amount in expenses. Although these programs did not generate a profit, they also did not operate at a loss.
In addition to basketball, EKU sponsors teams in eight men's and nine women's NCAA-sanctioned sports. Men's sports include baseball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track and field. Women's sports include beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
EKU's football team has a rich history, having won 20 OVC titles and two Division I-AA National Championships in 1979 and 1982. The team now competes in the United Athletic Conference (UAC), a merger of the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The men's golf team has also found success, winning 12 Ohio Valley Conference championships.
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The Battle of the Bluegrass rivalry
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a Division I school in the NCAA, with the football team competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The EKU football program has a rich history of success, with 21 OVC conference titles and two Division I FCS National Championships (then called Division I-AA) in 1979 and 1982.
One of the most notable rivalries for the EKU football team is "The Battle of the Bluegrass," against Western Kentucky University (WKU). This rivalry is considered one of the most intense and historic in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The name "Battle of the Bluegrass" refers to the bluegrass found in the state, which is also the namesake for the state's famous horse racing industry.
The rivalry between EKU and WKU is steeped in tradition, with both schools formerly members of the Ohio Valley Conference. They played each other regularly until WKU's transition to the NCAA's FBS level in 2008. The two teams have met numerous times, with WKU currently holding an edge in the all-time series. The rivalry is known for its competitiveness, with neither team consistently dominating until WKU's move to the FBS.
The Battle of the Bluegrass resumed in 2024, with both teams seeking to rebound from losses in their previous games. The rivalry is not just about football but also involves the passionate fan bases of both schools, creating a unique atmosphere for these matchups. The games are often packed with enthusiastic students and alumni, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
In addition to the rivalry with WKU, EKU also has a notable rivalry with the Morehead State Eagles, known as the "Old Hawg Rifle." This rivalry is symbolized by an antique, pre-Revolutionary War muzzle-loading rifle, which is kept on display at Morehead State University. While the rifle is no longer actively used in the rivalry, the two teams continue to compete against each other, with EKU currently holding a significant edge in the all-time series.
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Move to Division 1 still under consideration
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has a history of success in football, with 20 OVC titles and two Division I-AA National Championships in 1979 and 1982. The school's football team has also participated in six bowl games, four of which served as championship games. EKU currently competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
In 2013, there were reports that EKU was considering moving its football program to the top-level Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). However, under NCAA rules, such a move would require EKU first to receive an all-sports invitation from an existing FBS conference, which did not materialize. As of 2023, the discussion about moving to Division One has continued for nearly a decade, and EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan has stated that the goal is still under consideration. Roan highlights the dynamic nature of the current era in college athletics, with many schools switching conferences and the introduction of the student-athlete transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) monetary compensation for athletes.
While EKU has not yet received an invitation to join an FBS conference, the school has a rich football history and a tradition of success on the field. The Colonels, as the EKU football team is known, have appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times and play their home basketball games at Alumni Coliseum on EKU's campus. The men's golf team has also found success, winning 12 Ohio Valley Conference championships.
The Colonels have a well-known rivalry with the Western Kentucky football team, known as the Battle of the Bluegrass. This rivalry has added intensity as Western Kentucky transitioned to the FBS level in 2008, creating a competitive dynamic where neither team consistently dominates. EKU also has a longstanding rivalry with the Morehead State Eagles, symbolized by the antique rifle known as the Old Hawg Rifle. While the rifle is no longer actively used in the rivalry, the two teams continue to meet on the football field, with EKU currently holding a significant edge in the all-time series.
With EKU's football success, dedicated fan support, and the dynamic landscape of college athletics, the potential move to Division One remains a possibility. However, it is important to note that no official announcement has been made, and the decision will likely involve complex considerations and potential invitations from FBS conferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has been considering moving to Division 1 for nearly a decade. EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan has said that the goal is still on the table for consideration.
Eastern Kentucky University sponsors teams in 18 intercollegiate varsity sports and competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level as a member of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
Yes, Eastern Kentucky University has won two Division I FCS National Championships (then called Division I-AA) in 1979 and 1982.
Eastern Kentucky University offers 18 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track & field for men, and basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and volleyball for women.
