Illinois History and Traditions

The University of Illinois has a long and storied athletics history with rich tradition. From the start of the Illini baseball team in 1879, to the formation of the UI Athletic Association in 1890, as a charter member of the Big Ten Conference in 1896 and as a charter member of the NCAA in 1906, Illinois has been a national leader in collegiate athletics. Fighting Illini teams have won 18 NCAA Championships, five football national championships and 248 Big Ten titles, the second-most in conference history. Illinois had advanced to five NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours. University of Illinois alumni athletes have won 31 Olympic medals while competing for 17 countries in 25 Olympic Games.