Athletics
Rogers State teams, nicknamed athletically as the Hillcats, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and socer; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and softball.
The school's sports teams are referred to as the Hillcats, a mascot chosen in 2005. RSU also has a competitive rodeo team that is a member of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). The Hillcats' women's softball team became the first RSU athletic team to be nationally ranked on March 28, 2007, entering the NAIA softball ratings at number 22. The men's basketball team earned the school's first number one ranking on January 26, 2009. The University's current athletic director is Ryan Bradley.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Rogers State's application for Division II membership on July 13, 2012. The program will compete in the NAIA for the 2012-13 season while serving a first-year NCAA candidacy. The Hillcats will compete in the Heartland Conference.
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