Indiana State

The Indiana State Sycamores represent a proud tradition of strength, perseverance, and championship excellence at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Competing as NCAA Division I members of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Sycamores have developed a distinguished legacy that includes three national championships and an extraordinary tradition of producing 13 Olympic champions. Mascot Sycamore Sam leads spirited supporters across 15 varsity sports. The men’s basketball program won the 1950 NAIA National Championship and famously reached the 1979 NCAA Division I national title game led by the legendary Larry Bird, who later secured Olympic gold in 1992. Gymnastics great Kurt Thomas spearheaded the 1977 NCAA championship team and earned the James E. Sullivan Award twice. Wrestling icon Bruce Baumgartner earned four Olympic medals—two gold—adding to the program’s prestige. The Sycamores compete at venues such as the Hulman Center and Memorial Stadium. Their track and field teams include stars like Erin Reese and Mary Theisen-Lappen, both 2024 Paris Olympians, while their cross-country program hosts NCAA championships at the famed LaVern Gibson Course. Indiana State embodies royal blue and white pride, developing champions who excel worldwide in gymnastics, wrestling, track and field, basketball, and beyond.