Bryant Bulldogs

The Bryant Bulldogs are the athletic teams representing Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The Bulldogs are currently in NCAA Division I reclassification process and compete at the Division I level as a member of the Northeast Conference. Bryant's largest rivalry during its Division II years was Bentley College, both founders of the Northeast-10 and both have prominent business programs. Bryant University athletics started out as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) before it transitioned into Division II. Bryant competed in the Northeast-10 Conference from the conferences founding in 1980 until 2008 when the university began the transition to Division I. In 2012, Bryant became a full Division I member.

History

The beginning: The Providence years

Bryant University originally competed independently before the NCAA had classifications. The first teams were men's basketball and rowing, which started in 1896. The first women's team was women's basketball. When the NCAA began more strict classifications Bryant moved to the NAIA in 1963. During Bryant's tenure in the NAIA, it competed as an independent school. The university's tenure in the NAIA saw the men's basketball team record an undefeated regular season, going 22-0 before losing the final two games of the 1966-67 season in the District 32 Tournament. The 22-2 overall record was the team's best during the NAIA years. The move to Division II was partly because of the new campus, and the school's goals.

Bryant Bulldogs men's basketball

The Bryant Bulldogs men's basketball team represents Bryant University in NCAA Division I men's basketball. The team currently competes in the Northeast Conference. They are currently led by head coach Tim O'Shea and play their home games at the Chace Athletic Center.

History

Bryant University competed in the NAIA as an NAIA independent program from 1963 until 1976 as the Bryant College Indians before the college became a member of the NCAA Division II level in 1977. Bryants most successful season during the college's tenure in the NAIA came in the 1966–67 season when the team recorded an undefeated regular season, going 22–0 before losing the final two games of the 1966–67 season in the District 32 Tournament. The 22–2 overall record was the team's best during the NAIA years. The 22 wins set a team high win streak that still stands as a school record as of 2012. And the 22 total wins was not eclipsed until the 2003–04 season.

Within a few seasons of transitioning to NCAA Division II, the college became a charter member of the Northeast-10 Conference in 1980.

Bryant Bulldogs football

The Bryant Bulldogs football program represents Bryant University in college football. The Bulldogs are members of the Northeast Conference and compete at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. Since its inception in 1999, the team has played its home game at Bulldog Stadium in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Bryant's head coach is Marty Fine, who has held the position since the 2004 season.

History

Bryant University football was created in 1999, since its inception it has quickly become one of the more powerful teams in its conference. Also, they Bryant football has had some of the best home crowds the conference has seen. The Bulldogs' fans have also been known to travel well. Bryant has only had 2 coaches since its inception.

The first Bulldog coach was Jim Miceli who coached the team from 1999 until 2003. The second and current Bulldog coach is Marty Fine, who has coached the team from 2004–present. Marty Fine used to be an assistant head coach at Iowa State University before coming over to Bryant University. In only his third year as head coach he brought the Bulldogs to the playoffs.