Have you ever wondered about the University of Rhode Island’s athletic prowess? From the gridiron to the hardwood and beyond, URI’s sports teams have a rich history of athletic excellence. Whether you’re a proud alum, a dedicated fan, or simply curious about the Rams’ athletic endeavors, this overview will provide you with a comprehensive look at the university’s athletic programs, their accomplishments, and the impact they’ve had on the university and its surrounding community. So, get ready to dive into the world of University of Rhode Island Athletics and discover the exciting stories that have unfolded on and off the field.
The History of URI Athletics
The University of Rhode Island (URI) has a long and proud athletic tradition dating back to the late 19th century. The Rams have competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1892, and have been a member of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) since 1986. URI’s athletic teams have won numerous conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances over the years, and have produced several notable athletes who have gone on to successful professional careers.
The Rams’ athletic program is currently led by Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn, who was hired in 2016. Bjorn has overseen a period of success for URI athletics, with the Rams winning several conference championships and making several NCAA Tournament appearances in recent years. He has also been instrumental in upgrading URI’s athletic facilities, including the construction of a new football stadium and basketball arena.
URI athletics is an important part of the university community. The Rams provide a sense of pride and school spirit for students, alumni, and fans alike. The athletic teams also serve as ambassadors for the university, helping to promote URI’s academic programs and research initiatives.
The Rams’ Football Program
The URI football team has been a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) since 1986. The Rams compete in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and have won 10 CAA championships, most recently in 2018. URI has also made seven NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff appearances, reaching the semifinals in 2009.
The Rams’ football program is led by head coach Jim Fleming, who was hired in 2014. Fleming has led URI to two CAA championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances. He is known for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to develop talented players.
URI’s football team plays its home games at Meade Stadium, which has a capacity of 12,000. The Rams have a strong home-field advantage, and they have been known to upset some of the top teams in the country at Meade Stadium.
Notable Players in Rams’ Football Program
The Rams’ football program has produced several notable players who have gone on to successful professional careers. Some of the most famous Rams include:
- Bob Bell: Bell was a running back for the Rams from 1979 to 1982. He was a two-time All-American and won the Walter Payton Award in 1982. Bell was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft and played in the NFL for 10 seasons.
- Brentson Buckner: Buckner was a defensive tackle for the Rams from 1994 to 1997. He was a two-time All-American and won the Lombardi Award in 1997. Buckner was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft and played in the NFL for 13 seasons.
- James Perry: Perry was a defensive end for the Rams from 1997 to 2000. He was a two-time All-American and won the Bill Willis Trophy in 2000. Perry was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft and played in the NFL for nine seasons.
Men’s Basketball: A Storied Tradition
The URI men’s basketball team has a long and successful tradition, dating back to the early 20th century. The Rams have won 13 conference championships and made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. URI has also produced several notable players who have gone on to successful professional careers.
The Rams’ men’s basketball program is led by head coach David Cox, who was hired in 2016. Cox has led URI to two NCAA Tournament appearances and has been named the CAA Coach of the Year twice.
URI’s men’s basketball team plays its home games at the Ryan Center, which has a capacity of 7,620. The Rams have a strong home-field advantage, and they have been known to upset some of the top teams in the country at the Ryan Center.
Notable Players in Men’s Basketball
The Rams’ men’s basketball program has produced several notable players who have gone on to successful professional careers. Some of the most famous Rams include:
- Ernie DiGregorio: DiGregorio was a point guard for the Rams from 1969 to 1973. He was a three-time All-American and won the USBWA National Player of the Year Award in 1973. DiGregorio was drafted by the Buffalo Braves in the first round of the 1973 NBA Draft and played in the NBA for 13 seasons.
- John Linehan: Linehan was a forward for the Rams from 1978 to 1982. He was a two-time All-American and won the Haggerty Award in 1982. Linehan was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft and played in the NBA for six seasons.
- Fat Lever: Lever was a point guard for the Rams from 1982 to 1984. He was a two-time All-American and won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 1984. Lever was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 1984 NBA Draft and played in the NBA for 12 seasons.
Women’s Basketball: Success on the Court
The URI women’s basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, winning back-to-back Atlantic 10 Conference championships in 2021 and 2022. The Rams have also made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2010.
The Rams’ women’s basketball program is led by head coach Tammi Reiss, who was hired in 2018. Reiss has led URI to three NCAA Tournament appearances and has been named the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year twice.
URI’s women’s basketball team plays its home games at the Ryan Center, which has a capacity of 7,620. The Rams have a strong home-field advantage, and they have been known to upset some of the top teams in the country at the Ryan Center.
Notable Players in Women’s Basketball
The Rams’ women’s basketball program has produced several notable players who have gone on to successful professional careers. Some of the most famous Rams include:
- Cheryl Cook: Cook was a forward for the Rams from 1988 to 1992. She was a two-time All-American and won the Wade Trophy in 1992. Cook was drafted by the New York Liberty in the first round of the 1997 WNBA Draft and played in the WNBA for 11 seasons.
- Chantelle Anderson: Anderson was a forward for the Rams from 2004 to 2008. She was a three-time All-American and won the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Award in 2008. Anderson was drafted by the Indiana Fever in the first round of the 2008 WNBA Draft and played in the WNBA for nine seasons.
- Bria LaForce: LaForce was a guard for the Rams from 2012 to 2016. She was a two-time All-American and won the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Award in 2016. LaForce was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the second round of the 2016 WNBA Draft and played in the WNBA for two seasons.
Baseball: A Team on the Rise
The URI baseball team has been a rising star in recent years, winning the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in 2021 and making an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022.
The Rams’ baseball program is led by head coach Matt Harvey, who was hired in 2018. Harvey has led URI to two NCAA Tournament appearances and has been named the Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year twice.
URI’s baseball team plays its home games at Bill Beck Field, which has a capacity of 1,500. The Rams have a strong home-field advantage, and they have been known to upset some of the top teams in the country at Bill Beck Field.
Notable Players in Baseball
The Rams’ baseball program has produced several notable players who have gone on to successful professional careers. Some of the most famous Rams include:
