Lenoir-Rhyne

The Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears embody a rich championship heritage, a modern era of dynastic success, and the tough, blue-collar spirit of their home in Hickory, North Carolina. The university's athletic soul was forged on the gridiron, where legendary coach Clarence Stasavich led the Bears to the 1960 National Championship, creating a golden age of football dominance that is the bedrock of their tradition. In the modern era, that championship fire has been reborn on the lacrosse field, where the men's program has built a national dynasty, capturing two NCAA Division II National Championships in 2021 and 2023. The football program has continued its legacy of success, making a run to the 2013 National Championship game and remaining a perennial powerhouse in the formidable South Atlantic Conference. The Bears' winning culture extends to the softball diamond, where a dominant program has its own history of competing in the Division II Women's College World Series. The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are a testament to the power of a winning tradition, a proud and physical program that honors its legendary past by building new championship dynasties.