Kent State University - Athletics

Athletics

Kent State's athletic teams are called the Golden Flashes. Their colors are Navy Blue and Gold. They compete in the NCAA's Division I (Bowl Subdivision for football), and the Mid-American Conference East division. Kent State fields 16 varsity athletic teams and one club team.

The Flashes had success in the Mid-American Conference, earned the Mid-American Conference's Reese Cup for best men's athletic program in 2000, 2002 and 2006 and the Jacoby Cup for best women's athletic program in 1989, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2005.. In 2002 the Men's Basketball team advanced to NCAA "Elite Eight", while the baseball team, women's basketball, gymnastics, men's golf, and women's golf teams have won numerous MAC titles and advanced to NCAA tournament play. Some notable athletic alumni include: Missouri Tigers head football coach Gary Pinkel, 2003 British Open Champion and current PGA member Ben Curtis, former New York Yankees catcher Thurman Munson, Thomas Jefferson (athlete) 1984 200m Olympic bronze medalist, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, ESPN Analyst and former college football coach Lou Holtz, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (who played basketball at KSU, not football), Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs, former San Diego Padres pitcher Dustin Hermanson, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Matt Guerrier, and Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban, New England Patriots Wide Receiver Julian Edelman.

The Golden Flashes compete in the following sports:

*=the golf teams' season begins in the fall, but continues through most of the school year, culminating in the league and NCAA tournaments in the spring.