History
Illinois State began its athletics program more than 100 years ago. The school, which had already been an NCAA Division I competitor for more than a decade, left behind its independent status during the 1981-82 school year and affiliated itself with the Missouri Valley Conference.
From approximately 1910-1970, Illinois State was affiliated with the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Athletics at Illinois State consists of 19 intercollegiate sports, having won 125 league titles in 23 years.
Today, 17 of the 19 Redbird sports compete in the Missouri Valley Conference, with the football team playing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, formerly known as the Gateway Conference.
Read more about this topic: Illinois State Redbirds
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