Southern Illinois

The Southern Illinois Salukis represent rich tradition and championship excellence at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. As Missouri Valley Conference members competing in NCAA Division I, the Salukis have built a legacy that includes eight national championships and a strong history of Olympic-level athlete development. Taking their name from the Royal Dog of Egypt, their maroon and white colors reflect loyalty and speed. Known as Brown Dawg and Gray Dawg, their mascots energize a program famed for its men’s gymnastics dynasty which captured four NCAA Division I titles and held a 68-meet winning streak from 1961–1968, producing many All-Americans and individual champions. Their football team won the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA national championship while the basketball squad won the 1967 NIT led by NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier. Facilities such as Saluki Stadium and Banterra Center foster their rich traditions and competitive spirit across 16 varsity sports. Southern Illinois continues to develop Olympians and champions who excel nationally and internationally, proudly carrying on the Saluki legacy of excellence.