Trine University - Athletics

Athletics

Trine University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and the nation′s oldest collegiate athletic conference, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The Thunder previously competed as a member of the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) until the 2003-04 season. Over 600 student-athletes participate in 21 varsity sports.

Originally, Trine's athletic teams were nicknamed the "Engineers". In 1967, they became known as the "Trojans", and then to the current "Thunder" in 1990 with the colors of Navy blue and white.. The school offers sports for men and women, including football, basketball, tennis, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, track, cross-country, collegiate wrestling, and lacrosse. The school is also home to the Zollner Golf Course.

Trine athletic teams have been instrumental in providing a foundation for the university to join the ranks of the top academic and athletic institutions in America. During the past five years, Trine has participated in three NCAA championships in football and four NCAA tournaments in softball. On an individual level, Trine has had two NCAA All-American wrestlers, and one NCAA National Champion in track.

Alumnus Eric Watt, 2010, was the quarterback of the Thunder football team and received the NCAA Division III’s prestigious Gagliardi Trophy in December 2010. He also received the Albert L. Deal Award from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The award is named in honor of Albert L. Deal, who served as the MIAA commissioner from 1970-1990. It recognizes the top male graduating scholar athlete, based upon athletic accomplishments, academic achievement and community service. Watt’s No. 13 also was permanently retired. His jersey is on display in the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium.

In 2009, the Trine football team finished 9–1, won their second MIAA conference title in as many years, and earned an automatic bid to the Division III football playoffs. The team beat Case Western Reserve University 51–38 in the first round, but lost 34–17 in the second round to Wittenberg University.

In June 2010, the Thunder were picked No. 5 in the Lindy's Sports NCAA Division III football Top 25. The Sporting News poll tabbed Trine as No. 20.

In 2010, the Thunder softball team made its third straight NCAA appearance in NCAA Division III.

Trine softball has appeared in four-straight NCAA softball regional tournaments. The Thunder lost in the semi-final round in 2010 and 2011.

Trine wrestling continues to gain prominence: in 2010, Nick Kraus became the university's first participant in the NCAA Division III National Championship. Elias Larson and Alex Fleet both participated in the 2011 National Championship, where Elias was selected an All-American.

Trine's Zollner Golf Course will host the 2012 NCAA Division III Women's Golf National Championship.