Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of Indiana University Bloomington (IU), located in Bloomington, Indiana. The university’s athletic program is a member of NCAA Division I and competes in the Big Ten Conference. All IU varsity teams compete at the Division I level with most competing within the Big Ten conference.

History
The nickname “Hoosier” was first used by Indianapolis Star sportswriter Bob Williams to describe members of an 1889 all-Indiana baseball team that toured parts of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin; it has been variously said to have derived from hoosa or hoozer which meant anything large or tall; others claim it is simply a corruption of who’s here? As early as 1883 there had been several attempts among IU students at choosing their own unique moniker for its athletic squads but none ever caught on until 1898 when student newspaper editor Paul Dresser suggested “Hoosiers” be adopted as official school mascot – his suggestion won approval during a campus vote two years later. In 1924 this name officially became part of IU tradition when then President William Lowe Bryan described incoming freshman athletes thus: “We shall welcome you into our fold as fellow Hoosiers”.
In addition to being called “Hoosiers”, individuals associated with IU may also be referred to colloquially as Indianans and/or Calabashes due to local food culture related terms throughout state history.

Athletics & Traditions
Since 2013–14 season began under new Athletic Director Fred Glass’ leadership more than $100 million have gone towards improvements including renovations such Fieldhouse Mall area near Memorial Stadium where fans can purchase game day merchandise before games start – additionally over same period time frame about half dozen other projects ranging from football locker room makeover upgrade basketball player lounging suite project installation were completed for use by current student-athletes . Since 2009–10 academic year total number scholarship awards given out each year stands just shy 80000 these include both partial full rides depending upon individual needs financial situation . On April 1 2011 men’s basketball team participated national championship against Duke University they lost 61-67 end their historic run top title holder spot however supporters continued cheer them onward despite loss showing true spirit behind phrase Go Hoos! Other common traditions associated cheering squad involve singing fight song Hail Old St Andrew every home game playing Organ Boogie Woogie Joe during pregame warm ups after free throws made crowd favorite Handsome Dan cowbell man heading section dedicated fan seating area known ‘Bellowville’.

Notable Alumni & Teams
Notable alumni affiliated with university range wide variety personalities fields like George Halas former NFL Chicago Bears coach musician John Mellencamp actor David Letterman astronaut Neil Armstrong plus many others who’ve achieved great success around globe . Some successful teams come out institution too such men’s soccer 2010 National Champions women’s swimming 2012 Olympians track field 2014 World Relay Championships foursome relay event gold medalists volleyball 1995 Final Four appearance Basketball Hall Fame inductees Steve Alford Pat Riley Roger Brown Walt Bellamy Tom Crean Brian Evans Lou Watson etcetera… Conclusion Over centuries since establishment 1899 continuously served mission providing quality education through athletics various other endeavors making sure all those involved progress betterment society country world whole process maintaining commitment achieving highest standards excellence possible along way !