| Northeastern State RiverHawks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| University | Northeastern State University |
| Conference | The MIAA |
| NCAA | Division II |
| Athletic director | John Sisemore |
| Location | Tahlequah, Oklahoma |
| Varsity teams | 10 |
| Football stadium | Doc Wadley Stadium |
| Basketball arena | NSU Event Center |
| Mascot | Rowdy the RiverHawk |
| Nickname | RiverHawks |
| Fight song | "Northeastern, Northeastern" |
| Colors | Green and white[1] |
| Website | goriverhawksgo |
 | |
TheNortheastern State RiverHawks are the athletic teams that representNortheastern State University, located inTahlequah, Oklahoma, in intercollegiate sports as a member of theDivision II ranks of theNational Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in theMid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for most of its sports since the 2012–13 academic year;[2][3][4] while its men's soccer team competes in theGreat American Conference (GAC). The RiverHawks previously competed as anNCAA D-II Independent during the 2011–12 school year; in the D-IILone Star Conference (LSC) from 1997–98 to 2010–11; and in theOklahoma Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) of theNational Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1974–75 to 1996–97.
Northeastern State University announced on May 23, 2006, that it would be dropping "Redmen" and selecting a new mascot. The change was made proactively in response to the 2005NCAA Native American mascot decision.[5] The university announced its new athletic name as the RiverHawks on November 14, 2006.[6]
NSU competes in 10 intercollegiate sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, football, golf and soccer; while women's sports include basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and tennis.
| Men's sports | Women's sports |
|---|---|
| Baseball | Basketball |
| Basketball | Golf |
| Football | Soccer |
| Golf | Softball |
| Soccer | Tennis |
On June 30, 2025, NSU announced it would add seven varsity teams over the next two years. Men's and women's wrestling, along with volleyball, will debut as varsity sports in the 2026–27 academic year, and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men's and women's cross country, will be added for the 2027–28 academic year. Previously, in March 2025, NSU announced the revival of the men's tennis program following a 24-year absence, set for competition in the 2025 fall season. In total, NSU will have ten additional programs eligible for national championship opportunities for student-athletes.[7]
In 2003, the men's basketball team won theNCAA Division II National Championship, beatingKentucky Wesleyan 75–64.[8]
The university also offers participation in spirit squads at athletic and other school sponsored events.
The Squad last competed inNational Cheerleaders Association collegiate nationals in 2013, placing 3rd in the Intermediate Coed Division II category.
The Northeastern State University pom squad is currently coached byLauren Perez.
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Established: 1909 –Endowment: $11.8 million –Students: 8,276 (Fall 2015) | |||||
