University of St. Thomas Athletics
Overview
Athletics has been an integral part of the college scene at St. Thomas since the institution first opened in 1885. In the first 20 years, intramural baseball teams were quite popular. The Tommies' school colors -- purple and gray -- evolved from the "Blues" and the "Grays," the top intramural baseball teams in the 1890s.
Varsity intercollegiate sports began in 1904, and St. Thomas celebrated 100 years of varsity athletics in 2003-2004. (Varsity football didn't play during World War II in 1943, thus the 2004 season was the 100th season of varsity football).
In 1920, St. Thomas was among seven charter members of the newly-formed Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Five of those institutions remained in the MIAC throughout that span -- St. Thomas, Hamline, Macalester, Gustavus and St. John's. St. Olaf and Carleton were charter members who left the conference for a spell but returned in 1975 and 1983, respectively.
St. Thomas was involuntarily removed from the MIAC in May 2019 after discussion among league presidents, with the Tommies' athletics success a primary reason cited. That decision that took final effect in June 2021. St. Thomas became the first Division III institution to make a direct move in all 21 sports in one season into Division I as it began D-I competition in August 2021 in four different conferences: Summit League (18 sports); Pioneer Football League; CCHA (men's hockey); and WCHA (women's hockey).
Mascot
The St. Thomas mascot, Tommie, has evolved over the years. St. Thomas students are chosen to wear the costume and participate in a wide variety of events. To request Tommie's appearance at an event, please feel out the Mascot Request Form.
Cheer Squad, Dance Team, Pep Band
St. Thomas students are invited to tryout for the Cheer Squad, Dance Line and Pep Band, which add a festive flavor to campus games and events throughout the school year. Click here to the Campus Life site, the scroll down and click on Spirit Program for more information.
Traditions
St. Thomas fall traditions include Homecoming and Family Weekend, which include Tommie home athletic competitions as part of the attractions.
Homecoming includes student events throughout the week; a Friday night pep festival; a Saturday morning parade; a pre-game Taste of St. Thomas celebration; and a Saturday night dance.
Among the traditions, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear Purple or Gray attire on "Tommie Tuesdays."
