Winston-Salem State University Athletics: A Legacy of Championship Success
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has established a formidable reputation in collegiate athletics, marked by historic firsts and dominant streaks across multiple sports. From breaking barriers in basketball to rapid ascension in baseball and football, the university's athletic programs have consistently competed at the highest levels of the NCAA.
Key Facts
- First HBCU to win an NCAA Basketball Championship (1967).
- Four consecutive CIAA Conference Championships in baseball from 2010 to 2014.
- Best record of any HBCU in the 2012 football season (14–1).
- Dual-use facility: The football team shares Bowman Gray Stadium with NASCAR.
Men's Basketball: A Historic Milestone
The year 1967 marked a pivotal moment in collegiate sports history when Winston-Salem State became the first Historically Black College (HBCU) to secure an NCAA Basketball Championship. Competing in the College Division—which is known today as Division II—the Rams dominated the season with an impressive 31–1 record.
The team's success was driven by the extraordinary performance of guard Earl Monroe. Monroe averaged 41.5 points per game during that championship season, a feat that led to him being selected second overall in the 1967 NBA draft by the Baltimore Bullets, a franchise now known as the Washington Wizards.
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Baseball: A Rapid Return to Glory
After a 37-year hiatus, Winston-Salem State University reinstated its baseball program in August 2010. The program's return was immediate and impactful; in its very first year, the team won the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Conference Championship and advanced to the Atlantic Regional.
The program maintained a dominant streak, winning the CIAA Conference Championship for four consecutive years: 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The 2013 season was particularly noteworthy, as the team hosted the NCAA Atlantic Regional and earned its first-ever national ranking, reaching No. 23 in the country.
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Football: National Contention and Unique Venues
The WSSU football program reached a pinnacle of success in 2012. Led by head coach Connell Maynor and All-American quarterback Kameron Smith, the team achieved a 14–1 record, the best performance by any HBCU that season. This run culminated in an appearance in the Division II National Championship game on December 15, 2012, where they ultimately fell 35–7 to Valdosta State University.
The team plays its home games at Bowman Gray Stadium. This venue is a unique dual-use complex, serving as both the football stadium for WSSU and the site of NASCAR's longest-running weekly race track.
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Athletic Achievement Summary
| Sport | Major Achievement | Key Figure/Detail | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Basketball | NCAA College Division Championship | Earl Monroe (41.5 PPG) | 1967 |
| Baseball | 4x CIAA Conference Championships | National Rank No. 23 | 2010–2014 |
| Football | Division II National Championship Game | 14–1 Season Record | 2012 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which HBCU was the first to win an NCAA Basketball Championship?
Winston-Salem State became the first Historically Black College to win an NCAA Basketball Championship in 1967, winning the College Division title.
Who was the standout player for the 1967 basketball team?
The team was led by guard Earl Monroe, who averaged 41.5 points per game and was later drafted second overall in the 1967 NBA draft.
How successful was the baseball program after its reinstatement?
The baseball program was highly successful, winning four consecutive CIAA Conference Championships between 2010 and 2014 and achieving a national ranking of No. 23 in 2013.
What was the football team's record during their 2012 championship run?
The football team finished the 2012 season with a 14–1 record, which was the best record of any HBCU that year.
Where does the WSSU football team play its home games?
The team plays at Bowman Gray Stadium, a dual-use facility that also hosts NASCAR's longest-running weekly race track.