St. Francis (PA)

The Saint Francis University Red Flash embody a pioneering athletic history, a deep commitment to Franciscan values, and the resilient spirit of their home in the Allegheny Mountains of Loretto, Pennsylvania. The university's legacy was founded on the basketball court in the 1950s, when future NBA Hall of Famer Maurice Stokes led the Red Flash to national prominence with multiple appearances in the prestigious NIT. In the modern era, that winning tradition is carried by the women's basketball program, a true dynasty that has dominated the Northeast Conference, capturing a record 12 tournament championships. This championship culture extends across campus, with the football team emerging as a conference power with multiple FCS Playoff appearances, and a women's bowling team becoming a national elite with its own NCAA Final Four run. As a charter member of the NEC, Saint Francis proudly connects its present to its celebrated past, competing in facilities named for its greatest legends. The Saint Francis Red Flash represent a program with a story that spans generations, a proud institution that honors its pioneering past while consistently building new legacies of success.