The Holy Cross Crusaders are the athletic teams representing the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, in NCAA Division I competitions. The college, a private Jesuit institution, does not have an “owner” in the traditional business sense, as it is an educational establishment. The Crusaders compete in a variety of sports, primarily within the Patriot League, showcasing their athletic prowess across the Northeastern United States. This athletic program is renowned for its commitment to excellence in both men’s and women’s sports, fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit among students and alumni alike.
The Holy Cross Crusaders were founded alongside the establishment of the College of the Holy Cross in 1843. The name “Crusaders” was adopted in 1925, symbolizing the college’s mission and spirit. Over the years, the Crusaders have achieved significant milestones, including a notable victory in the 1947 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Their baseball team has also made multiple appearances in the College World Series. Currently, the Holy Cross Crusaders continue to compete at a high level, upholding the values of sportsmanship and excellence. Their ongoing participation in the NCAA exemplifies their dedication to maintaining a dynamic and competitive sports program.
What is Holy Cross Crusaders?
The Holy Cross Crusaders represent the athletic teams of the College of the Holy Cross in NCAA Division I sports. Known for their competitive spirit and historical achievements, they compete mainly in the Patriot League, embodying the college’s commitment to athletic and academic excellence.
If you take a look at the 1982 Holy Cross Crusaders logo, you’ll see a full-armored knight riding a horse. The words “Holy Cross” are written on the flag the knight is holding.
In 1999, the emblem was redrawn. The horse was removed, the knight was “reduced” to the helmet, sword, shield, and gown. As a result, the words “Holy Cross” became more prominent. Now both the pictorial and typographic parts of the Holy Cross Crusaders logo looked equally important.
A minor change followed in 2014. Namely, the black outline around the letters was reduced, while the same thing around the knight was increased and made more prominent. They also changed the shape of the shield to a softer, more round look.
The 2018 emblem is the same very shield used by the knight in the previous logo incarnation. This time, though, it has a double white-and-purple outline instead of the old black one. Moreover, the white cross is replaced by the two letters ‘C’ and ‘H’ imposed on each other.
The College of the Holy Cross has participated in 13 NCAA Tournaments, 12 National Invitation Tournaments, and in the 2014 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. The women’s team has reached Women’s National Invitation Tournament in 2002 and the Women’s Basketball Invitational in 2012.
The baseball team won the NCAA National Championship in 1952. They have competed in eleven NCAA Tournaments and have reached the College World Series four times.
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