The men of Hamline University have competed in intercollegiate athletics for more than 120 years. During that span, a winning tradition has become synonymous with the red and gray.

After being affiliated with the Tri-State Conference from 1916-1919, Hamline became a charter member of the MIAC, which was established in 1920. The Pipers ushered in the infant league by winning the conference’s first two football championships under head coaches Harold Hanson and Benjamin Beck. This success in the first seasons set the tone for years to come.

The 1930s brought about more success with the addition of legendary coach Joe Hutton. While at Hamline, Huttn coached both football and basketball, but he put Hamline on the map with his ability of coaching on the hardwood. Hutton won NAIB National Championships in 1942, 1949, and 1952 with the likes of NBA Hall of Famer Vern Mikkelsen, former Brooklyn Dodger and pro basketball player Howie Schultz, and five other players who went on to professional careers. In all, Hutton posted a record of 588-186 in 35 seasons as head coach. He won or shared 19 conference titles. At the time of his retirement, Hutton was sixth all-time among the nation’s collegiate basketball coaches in games won.

Today, Hamline is keeping the winning tradition alive in the nine intercollegiate sports the University offers to male students. In recent years, Hamline cross country and track standouts have represented the conference at the NCAA Championships. The baseball team set a school record for team wins, and the football and basketball teams remain competitive in the very-tough MIAC.