Ithaca Bombers

Institution

  • Name: Ithaca College
  • Location: Ithaca, New York, United States
  • Established: 1892
  • Type: Private, coeducational college
  • Colors: Blue and Gold

Nickname Origin

The "Bombers" nickname originated in the 1930s. Initially, it was said to refer to the football team's high-scoring offensive prowess, likening their explosive plays to bombing raids. Another theory suggests it emerged from the college's historic aeronautical program or its location on South Hill, which provided a commanding view akin to that from a bomber plane. Over time, the nickname became firmly established for all of Ithaca College's intercollegiate athletic teams. The official mascot is Buster the Bomber.

Athletic Program

Ithaca College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes at the Division III level. Division III emphasizes the student-athlete experience, balancing academics and athletics without athletic scholarships.

Conferences

The Bombers primarily compete in the Empire 8 Athletic Conference for most of their sports. However, some sports participate in other conferences:

  • Liberty League: For football, men's and women's crew, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's swimming and diving, and wrestling.
  • Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC): For various championships and post-season competitions.

Sports Offered

Ithaca College sponsors a wide range of men's and women's intercollegiate sports, providing opportunities for diverse athletic interests.

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Lacrosse
  • Rowing (Crew)
  • Soccer
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
  • Wrestling

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Lacrosse
  • Rowing (Crew)
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming & Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
  • Volleyball

Facilities

Ithaca College boasts several state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including:

  • Athletic & Events Center (A&E Center): A multi-purpose facility housing a field house, aquatics pavilion, and fitness center.
  • Butterfield Stadium: Home to football, men's and women's lacrosse, and track & field.
  • Freeman Field: Primarily used for baseball.
  • Kostrinsky Field: Used for softball.
  • Homer C. Whitney Field: Used for field hockey and soccer.
  • Hill Center: Features multiple gymnasiums and auxiliary facilities.

Notable Achievements and Traditions

The Ithaca Bombers have a strong tradition of athletic success, including numerous conference championships and national tournament appearances across various sports. The wrestling program, in particular, has achieved significant national prominence with multiple NCAA Division III National Championships. The football team also has a storied history, including two NCAA Division III National Championships (1979 and 1991). The college maintains rivalries with other Upstate New York institutions, most notably SUNY Cortland, with whom it competes in the annual "Cortaca Jug" football game, one of the most famous rivalries in Division III football.

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