Bridgewater State Bears

This article may need to be rewritten to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards. You can help. The talk page may contain suggestions. (March 2023)

|

Athletic teams representing Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State Bears

University| Bridgewater State University
Conferences| Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC)

* Other conferences:

List

*     * Little East Conference (LEC) (field Hockey, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis)
* New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) (men's wrestling)

NCAA| Division III
President| Frederick W. Clark
Athletic director| Dr. Marybeth Lamb[1]
Location| Bridgewater, Massachusetts
First year| 1960; 65 years ago (1960)
Varsity teams| 22 (10 men's, 12 women's)
Football stadium| Swenson Turf Field & Track[2]
Basketball arena| Adrian Tinsley Center[3]
Baseball stadium| Alumni Park Baseball Field[4]
Softball stadium| Alumni Park Softball Field[4]
Soccer stadium| Swenson Turf Field & Track
Aquatics center| Dr. Mary Jo Moriarty Pool[5]
Lacrosse stadium| Swenson Turf Field & Track
Outdoor track and field venue| Swenson Turf Field & Track
Volleyball arena| Adrian Tinsley Center
Wrestling arena| Adrian Tinsley Center
Mascot| Bristaco the Bear
Nickname| Bears
Colors| Crimson, white, and black[6]

Website| www.bsubears.com

The Bridgewater State Bears are composed of 22 varsity teams representing Bridgewater State University in intercollegiate athletics. All teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and all teams compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), except for field hockey, tennis and swimming & diving which plays in the Little East Conference (LEC).

## Background

[edit]

The intercollegiate athletic program offers 22 varsity teams, including Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming and diving, Tennis, Track and field, Baseball, Football, and Wrestling for men. As for the women's sports teams they include Basketball, Cross Country, Equestrian, Soccer, Swimming and diving, Tennis, Track and field, Field hockey, Lacrosse, Softball, and Volleyball.[7]

## Nickname

[edit]

Bridgewater State adopted its mascot the bear in the 1960s, and was decided by a student vote when Bridgewater State brought modern day football to the college. Bridgewater State's mascot is Bristaco the Bear which is named after the former college title. BRIdgewater STAte COllege - BRISTACO Bear.[8] The school colors are crimson, white, and black.[9]

## Sports Sponsored

[edit]

Not only does Bridgewater State University offer intercollegiate athletics, but they also provide Intramural athletic programs, and Club sports program. Such as Cheerleading, several dance teams, Men's Lacrosse, Men's Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer, Basketball, etc. BSU recently renovated the Swanson football field and resurfaced the track.[10]

Bridgewater State University athletic performance has gradually improved over the years. The bears won the Smith Trophy for the best overall Athletic Department in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference.

In addition to NCAA-sanctioned varsity sports, Bridgewater State supports 10 club sports through Campus Recreation, including cheerleading, dance team, equestrian, hip-hop team, ice hockey, men's lacrosse, outdoor adventure, ultimate frisbee, skiing, and Men's rugby.[11]

### Varsity sports

[edit]

Men's sports  | Women's sports

|

Baseball  | Basketball
Basketball  | Cross country
Cross country  | Equestrian
Football | Field hockey
Soccer  | Lacrosse
Swimming & diving  | Soccer
Tennis  | Softball
Track & field1 | Swimming & diving
Wrestling  | Tennis
| Track & field1
| Volleyball
1 – includes both indoor and outdoor

### Football

[edit]

Main article: Bridgewater State Bears football

The Bridgewater State football team has been one of the most successful athletic teams at the school since the program was started in 1960. Bridgewater State is a member of the MASCAC, which will sponsor football for the first time in its history beginning in 2013. Bridgewater State was formerly a founding member of the New England Football Conference from 1965 to 2012. The new MASCAC football conference will consist of nine schools. These member schools are Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Westfield State University, Worcester State University, Plymouth State University, UMass-Dartmouth, and Western Connecticut State University. Bridgewater State will begin MASCAC play in 2013.

Listed below are notable awards, accolades, and accomplishments the BSU football team have accumulated since the inception of the program in 1960. The Bears football team have only had two losing seasons since 1985 and have had seven undefeated or 1-loss seasons in that same timeframe.

* NCAA Division III National Tournament Qualifier - 1999, 2000, 2012, 2016
* ECAC Postseason Qualifier - 1989, 1992, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2015
* ECAC Northeast Bowl Champions - 2005
* ECAC North Atlantic Bowl Champions - 2006
* NEFC League Champions - 1966, 1969, 1989, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
* MASCAC League Champions - 2016

### Women's basketball

[edit]

The Women's basketball team has been a regional power since its debut in 1982. Coach Bridgett Casey coached her 14th season at BSU. In 2007–2008, Bridgett guided the Bears to a 22–5 (.815) record and the program's first appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament since 1986. The woman's basketball team competes in the (ECAC) Eastern College Athletic Conference and the (MASCAC) Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference. The Lady Bears' basketball team has qualified for the NCAA D-3 Tournament every year since 2010, and are constantly a contender for the MASCAC Championship.[12]

Accomplishments

* MASCAC Champions - 1984–1985, 1985–1986, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012, 2012–2013
* ECAC Playoff Qualifier - 1987–1988, 2005–2006
* NCAA D-III Qualifier - 1982–1983, 1983–1984, 1984–1985, 1985–1986, 1986–1987, 2007–2008, 2010–2011, 2011–2012, 2012–2013

### Men's basketball

[edit]

Joe Farroba is the head coach of the Bridgewater State Men's basketball team. "Joe came to Bridgewater State and to the MASCAC as an assistant coach under former BSC Head Coach Mark Champagne in 1986." Coach Farroba has led the Bears to postseason play eight times, including the NCAA Division III Tournament in 1999, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011 (led by Maxwell Dolgin, Center). In 2009 after recording a school record in wins the team received a national ranking for the first time in schools history. That team featured 3 1000 point scorers. The Men's basketball team also participates in the (MASCAC) Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference, and the NCAA Division III tournament. The Bears basketball team has been one of the most successful teams at Bridgewater in the last 30 years. They have won numerous league and conference championships and made several appearances in the NCAA D-3 National Tournament. They finished under .500 for the first time in ten years in 2012–2013.[12]

Accomplishments

* MASCAC Champions - 2008–2009, 2009–2010, 2017–2018
* ECAC Playoff Qualifier - 1995–1996, 1996–1997, 1997, 1998
* NCAA D-III Qualifier - 1982–1983, 1998–1999, 2005–2006, 2008–2009, 2009–2010, 2010–2011, 2017–2018
* NCAA D-III Sweet Sixteen - 2008-2009

### Women's lacrosse

[edit]

The Lady Bears' Lacrosse team has statistically been the most successful athletic team in Bridgewater State's history. They have been a dominant woman's lacrosse team in the Northeast Region and have won dozens of championships and qualified for numerous NCAA Tournaments. The Lady Bears won the NEWLA regular season and tournament titles for the 7th straight season and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament in 2013.[13]

Accomplishments

* NEWLA Champions - 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
* ECAC Playoff Qualifier - 1986, 1987, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2008
* MASCAC Champions - 2013, 2014, 2015
* NCAA D-III Qualifier - 2003, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

### Baseball

[edit]

The Bridgewater State baseball team has been a dominant force in the New England region for decades. They have made dozens of postseason appearances and won several league and regional championships. Bridgewater State has one of the highest all-time winning percentages (.645) in the country. They have made it to the NCAA D-III World Series 3 times, and have placed in the Elite Eight twice there. They have also produced a handful of Division 3 All-Americans and All-Region players. Below is a list of accomplishments and accolades.

Accomplishments

* MASCAC Champions - 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012
* ECAC Playoff Qualifier - 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 2005
* ECAC Playoff Champions - 1986
* NCAA D-III Qualifier - 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2011, 2012
* NCAA D-III New England Regional Qualifier - 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2012
* NCAA D-III New England Regional Champions - 1996
* NCAA D-III Mid-Atlantic Regional Champions - 1997
* NCAA D-III World Series - 1996 (3rd Place), 1997 (7th Place)

### Cross Country (Men's)

[edit]

Men's Cross Country in recent years has slowly been building up the program that is now led by Connor Foley. The Men have won this years (2019) Mascac Title after a drought of 6 years.

Accomplishments

* MASCAC Champions - 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2012, 2019
* MASCAC Runner Up- 2017,2018[14][15]

### Cross Country (Women's)

[edit]

The women's Cross Country team in recent years has lacked squad depth but for the most recent season have gained a lot. The team is also led by Connor Foley.

Accomplishments

* MASCAC Champions - 2001, 2002, 2003[16]

### Swimming and diving

[edit]

The Bridgewater State Swimming and Diving team is successful. They swim Co-Ed, however compete separately. They are part of the NEISDA division and will celebrate 50 years as a program in the Fall of 2020. Alumnus Michael Caruso is the head coach. Bridgewater State has a rich history of All-Americans and National Championship qualifiers. Ten elite swimmers will compete to qualify for the NCAA-D3 championships.

## Club Sports

[edit]

* Men's Ice Hockey
* Women's Ice Hockey
* Men's Lacrosse
* Men's Rugby
* Women's Rugby
* Coed Cheerleading
* Coed Dance
* Coed Golf
* Coed Gymnastics
* Coed Hip Hop dance
* Coed Ultimate

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Bridgewater St".
2. ^ "Edward C. Swenson Athletic Complex".
3. ^ "Adrian Tinsley Center".
4. ^ a b "Alumni Park".
5. ^ "Dr. Mary Jo Moriarty Pool, Kelly Gymnasium".
6. ^ "Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (1971-1972 through present)". Retrieved October 24, 2020.
7. ^ "Home of the Bears". Bridgewater St. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
8. ^ "Bridgewater St".
9. ^ "Allen, Meg, and Steven M. Face Behind Fur . N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011". Archived from the original on 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2011-12-20.
10. ^ "Intramural Sports". Bridgewater St. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
11. ^ "Bridgewater State University Club Sports 2018-2019". Bridgewater St. Sep 7, 2018. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
12. ^ a b "Women's Basketball". Bridgewater St. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
13. ^ N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011, bsubears.com
14. ^ "Bridgewater St". Bridgewater St. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
15. ^ "Men's Cross Country Claims MASCAC Title". Bridgewater St. Nov 2, 2019. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.
16. ^ "Bridgewater St". Bridgewater St. Retrieved Apr 1, 2020.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference

Full members|

* Bridgewater State Bears1
* Fitchburg State Falcons
* Framingham State Rams
* MCLA Trailblazers2
* Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers3
* Salem State Vikings4
* Westfield State Owls
* Worcester State Lancers

Associate members|

* Eastern Nazarene Lions5
* Elms Blazers5
* Mitchell Mariners5
* Plymouth State Panthers6
* Springfield Pride5
* UMass Dartmouth Corsairs6
* Western Connecticut State Wolves7

Former full members|

* Boston State Warriors
* Lowell State Indians

Former associate member|

* Dean Bulldogs5

* Notes:
* 1non-ice hockey member
* 2non-football and ice hockey member
* 3non-basketball and ice hockey member
* 4non-football member
* 5men's golf
* 6men's ice hockey and football
* 7football

* v
* t
* e

Little East Conference

Full members|

* Eastern Connecticut State Warriors
* Keene State Owls
* Plymouth State Panthers
* Rhode Island College Anchormen
* UMass Boston Beacons
* UMass Dartmouth Corsairs
* Southern Maine Huskies
* Vermont State Castleton Spartans
* Western Connecticut State Wolves

Associate members|

* Bridgewater State Bears1
* Fitchburg State Falcons2
* Framingham State Rams2
* Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers3
* Salem State Vikings4
* Western New England Golden Bears5
* Westfield State Owls6
* Worcester State Lancers7

* 1field hockey, men's and women's tennis, and women's swimming & diving
* 2field hockey
* 3men's lacrosse
* 4field hockey, men's lacrosse, and men's and women's tennis
* 5women's swimming & diving
* 6field hockey and women's swimming & diving
* 7field hockey and women's tennis

* v
* t
* e

Sports teams based in Massachusetts

Australian football|

USAFL
Boston Demons

Baseball|

MLB
Boston Red Sox

Worcester Red Sox

Brockton Rox
CCBL
Bourne Braves
Brewster Whitecaps
Chatham Anglers
Cotuit Kettleers
Falmouth Commodores
Harwich Mariners
Hyannis Harbor Hawks
Orleans Firebirds
Wareham Gatemen
Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox
FCBL
Pittsfield Suns
Westfield Starfires
Worcester Bravehearts
NECBL
Martha's Vineyard Sharks
North Adams SteepleCats
North Shore Navigators
Valley Blue Sox

Basketball|

NBA
Boston Celtics

Esports|

CDL
Boston Breach
OWL
Boston Uprising

Football|

NFL
New England Patriots
IFL
Massachusetts Pirates
WFA
Boston Renegades

Hockey|

NHL
Boston Bruins
AHL
Springfield Thunderbirds
ECHL
Worcester Railers
NAHL
Northeast Generals
PWHL
Boston Fleet

Lacrosse|

WPLL
New England Command
UWLX
Boston Storm
PLL
Boston Cannons
WLL
Boston Guard

Roller derby|

WFTDA
Bay State Brawlers Roller Derby
Boston Roller Derby
MRDA
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby

Rugby league|

NARL
Boston Bears

Rugby union|

MLR
New England Free Jacks
NERFU
Boston RFC
Boston Ironsides RFC
Boston Irish Wolfhounds
Boston Maccabi Rugby
Charles River Rats
Mystic River
Old Gold Rugby
South Shore Anchors
Worcester RFC
WER
Boston Banshees

Soccer|

MLS
New England Revolution
NWSL
Boston Legacy FC (2026)
MLSNP
New England Revolution II
USL2
Black Rock FC
Boston Bolts
Boston City FC
Western Mass Pioneers
NPSL
Valeo FC
UWS
New England Mutiny

Ultimate|

AUDL
Boston Glory

College athletics|

| NCAA
Division I|

American International Yellow Jackets
Bentley Falcons
Boston College Eagles
Boston University Terriers
Harvard Crimson
Holy Cross Crusaders
Merrimack Warriors
Northeastern Huskies
Stonehill Skyhawks
UMass Minutemen and Minutewomen
UMass Lowell River Hawks

|

NCAA
Division II|

American International Yellow Jackets
Assumption Greyhounds
Bentley Falcons

NCAA
Division III|

Amherst Mammoths
Anna Maria Amcats
Babson Beavers
Brandeis Judges
Bridgewater State Bears
Clark Cougars
Curry Colonels
Dean Bulldogs
Eastern Nazarene Lions
Elms Blazers
Emerson Lions
Emmanuel Saints
Endicott Gulls
Fitchburg State Falcons
Framingham State Rams
Gordon Fighting Scots
Lasell Lasers
Lesley Lynx
Mount Holyoke Lyons
MCLA Trailblazers
Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers
MIT Engineers
Nichols Bison
Regis Pride
Salem State Vikings
Simmons Sharks
Smith Pioneers
Springfield Pride
Suffolk Rams
Tufts Jumbos
UMass Boston Beacons
UMass Dartmouth Corsairs
Wellesley Blue
Wentworth Leopards
Western New England Golden Bears
Westfield State Owls
Wheaton Lyons
Williams Ephs
WPI Engineers
Worcester State Lancers

NAIA

Fisher Falcons

USCAA

Bay Path Wildcats
Hampshire Black Sheep

NJCAA Division II

Massasoit Warriors

NJCAA Division III

Benjamin Franklin Shockers
Bristol Bayhawks
Bunker Hill Bulldogs
Holyoke Cougars
Massachusetts Bay Buccaneers
Northern Essex Knights
Quinsigamond Chiefs
Roxbury Tigers
Springfield Technical Rams
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template