Traditions

NICKNAME

Though not official, Niagara’s nickname of “Purple Eagles” is believed to have come from two different sources and then merged.

The color purple is from Niagara’s Catholic heritage. Purple is the color of royalty used by the Roman Catholics.

The first use of “Eagles” came in April of 1930. Niagara at the time sat as the highest point in Niagara County and eagles were in abundance in the area and perched on Niagara’s buildings.

FIRST SPORT

Baseball, complete with neck-ties, was Niagara’s first official sport, beginning in 1885. Famous baseball names who played on Monteagle Ridge include Joe McCarthy ‘07, former New York Yankee manager; Earl Mack ’12, son of the late Connie Mack; and Jimmie Doyle ’00, who played with Cincinnati and Chicago.

Below are what is believed to be the first years of competition for Niagara’s sports teams:

Sport                                                                            Inaugural Season       

Baseball                                                                                1885

Men's Basketball                                                                    1905

Men's Soccer                                                                         1968

Golf                                                                                       1933

Men's Tennis                                                                          1933

Men's Swimming and Diving                                                     1947

Men's Cross Country                                                               1947

Men's Hockey                                                                         1996

Softball                                                                                   1981

Volleyball                                                                                1977

Women's Lacrosse                                                                  1996

Women's Basketball                                                                1974

Women's Soccer                                                                     1983

Women's Hockey                                                                    1998

Women's Tennis                                                                      1978

Women's Cross Country                                                           1983

Women's Swimming and Diving                                                 1973

FIGHT SONGS

NIAGARA
NI - AG - RA, NI - AG - RA,
Fighting now for victory,
As our river rushing onward
Drives and conquers all the way;
Rugged rocks and mountain depths
Her onward progress cannot stay,
In strife as in life
Old Niagara never falters in the fray,
NI - AG - RA, NI - AG - RA
   Fight, fight---- fight
   Fight, fight---- fight

THE BATTLE SONG
Here's to old Niagara,
   Onward to victory
We're out to win, team,
   Every loyal, ever loyal we will be;
Get in the game and win, team,
   Though the odds be great or small;
For the glory of Niagara,
   We'll give our all.

THE ALMA MATER

This is our home, our college home,
   Though hard and strict she be;
The home of many a noble soul,
   The shine of purity.
We love her rocks and river,
   Wher'er we chance to be,
Shout "Rah" for Old Niagara
   And her lovely scenery,
Shout "Rah" for Old Niagara
   And her lovely scenery.

PURPLE AND WHITE FIGHT SONG

Niagara U. is ready for the fight,
   And when they fight,
They fight with all their might,
   And when they play the game,
They play it right;
   And when they lose,
They know they've met a worthy foe.
   Come on and cheer, cheer, cheer
For the Purple and White
   The team that's always ready for the fight;
And when Niagara U. is in the lead
   With the speed
CHEER-YEA CHEER- YEA CHEER