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'''UAB''''s forest green and old gold-swathed athletic teams are nicknamed the [[UAB Blazers|'''Blazers''']]. UAB is one of the twelve member institutions of [[Conference USA]] and participates in [[Division I-A]] of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]. The UAB football team is led by [[Neil Callaway]] and plays its home games at 71,594-seat [[Legion Field]]. The school's men's [[basketball]] team, coached by [[Mike Davis (coach)|Mike Davis]], plays in 8,508-seat [[Bartow Arena]].
[[Image:UAB Blazers full-dragon logo.gif|right|325px]]
The '''UAB Blazers''' are the athletic teams which represent the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]]. UAB is a member of the "Conference USA" athletic conference and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The Blazers' [[UAB colors|team colors]] are forest green and gold and the mascot is a fire-breathing dragon named [[Blaze]].  


While the football team entered post-season play only recently, the men's basketball program has a long history of success spanning several decades. In addition to football and basketball, UAB also has programs in men's sports for [[baseball]], [[golf]], [[soccer]], and [[tennis]]. Women's sports programs include [[softball]], basketball, golf, soccer, [[synchronized swimming]], tennis, [[track and field]], [[rifle]] and [[volleyball]].  
UAB athletics is known primarily for the success of the men's basketball team. The university's athletic department was created in [[1978]] by legendary basketball coach [[Gene Bartow]] who led the Blazers basketball team to the elite eight of the [[NCAA college basketball tournaments#1982 Mideast regional Semifinals and finals|1982 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament]], played in [[Birmingham]] at the [[BJCC]].


== Football ==
UAB began its football program as a club team in 1989 joining Division III of the NCAA in 1991. The program moved up to Division I-AA in 1993 and finally to Division I-A in [[1996]] under head coach [[Watson Brown]] and becoming a football-playing member of Conference USA in [[1999]]. The football program was eliminated after the 2014 season. The football Blazers played the majority of their home games at [[Legion Field]]. After a 2 season hiatus the football Blazers returned to the field under the leadership of [[Bill Clark]]. In 2021 the team moved into newly constructed [[Protective Stadium]].
In contrast to many other colleges and universities that have decades of tradition, UAB only began its football program a little over a decade ago. Jim Hilyer was the first head coach of the Blazers, coaching from 1991-1994. Beginning with club football in 1991, UAB quickly moved up the ranks of the collegiate football divisions at a rate which few had foreseen. Coach [[Watson Brown]] took over as head coach in 1995 and held the position through the end of the 2006 season, when he left for [[Tennessee Tech]].
 
In addition to men's basketball, UAB also has programs in men's sports for baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's sports programs include basketball, bowling, golf, rifle, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.  The university announced that the women's bowling and rifle teams would be eliminated at the conclusion of their 2014-15 seasons.  UAB will add a men's cross country team beginning with the 2015-16 academic year to maintain the school's Division I status.  Six months later, the University reversed the decision, restoring the three teams.
 
UAB Blazer athletic programming is broadcast on the [[Blazers ISP Radio Network]], including [[WJOX-FM|WJOX]] [[FM 94.5]]  and [[WJQX-FM|WJQX]] [[FM 100.5]] in the [[Birmingham]] area.


Following Brown's resignation, the school's coaching searched focused on [[LSU Tigers|LSU]] assistant coach [[Jimbo Fisher]], but the [[University of Alabama System]] Board of Trustees expressed concern over the cost of a potential Fisher contract, though some writers have speculated on other possible motivations [http://www.al.com/ncaafootball/lindys/index.ssf?/base/sports/116638591067080.xml&coll=9]. Ultimately, former [[Alabama Crimson Tide|Alabama]] player and [[Georgia Bulldogs|Georgia]] offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was named head coach on December 17, 2006. [http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=159913]
==Traditions==
===mascot===
{{Main|Blaze}}
UAB's first intercollegiate athletic team, [[Gene Bartow]]'s men's basketball squad, was set to begin competition in [[1978]]. In late [[1977]] a group of student leaders were brought to the offices of the [[UAB Student Government Association]] to brainstorm ideas for names. One of those students, [[Tommy Burns]], suggested "Trail Blazers" as appropriate to a newly-launched program. He was also inspired by the recently-crowned NBA champions, the Portland Trail Blazers. After some discussion, the suggested name was shortened to "Blazers" and submitted, along with three other suggestions to a vote of students, faculty and staff in January [[1978]]. Students [[Eddie Smith]] and [[Ted Greer]] helped to popularize the "Blazers" suggestion, which won the poll with 1,147 votes, versus 586 for "Barons", 451 for "Titans", and 386 for "Warriors."


UAB made the move to [[Division I-A]] football in 1996 and made the jump to [[Conference USA]] in 1999. Since then, UAB has made a habit of playing many of college football's traditional powers.  In 2000, UAB achieved a monumental victory by beating the [[LSU Tigers]] in [[Baton Rouge, LA|Baton Rouge]].  In 2004, UAB reached yet another milestone earning their first bowl trip in school history, the [[Hawaii Bowl]]. Though young, UAB's football program continues to make large strides both in on the field success and in attendance.  UAB plays its home football games at [[Legion Field]].
The Blazers name did not immediately suggest a mascot, and over the years there have been a [[List of UAB Mascots|number of costumed mascots]] representing the Blazers. Since [[1996]] "[[Blaze|Blaze the Dragon]]" has served as the Blazers' official mascot.


{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
===Alma Mater===
|+'''UAB Football Coaches'''
<blockquote>
|-
Here in Alabama, a place of rich diversity,<br />
! Coach !! Years !! style="width:120px" | Wins-Losses
stands our Alma Mater. We cherish her integrity.<br />
|-
May each loyal son and daughter wear<br />
| Jim Hilyer || 1991-1994 || 27-12-2 (.692)
proudly the colors green and gold.<br />
|-
Praise to thee, our UAB. Her honor we uphold.<br /><br />
| Watson Brown || 1995-2006 || 62-74 (.456)
Yearning minds of age and youth<br />
|-
live and love her noble truth.<br />
| Neil Callaway || 2007- Present ||
Moving ahead with blazing speed<br />
|-
t'wards knowledge to empow'r,<br />
| '''Overall''' ||  || 89-86-2 (.503)
in the heart of Birmingham our UAB stands proud.<br />
|}
</blockquote>
===Rivalry Game===
[[Battle for the Bones]] - [[University of Memphis|Memphis Tigers]]


===NFL players===
===Blazer Victory===
* [[Jake Arians]], kicker, Buffalo Bills (2001)
The music and lyrics for "Blazer Victory" were written by [[Danny Doyle]] for the [[UAB Marching Blazers]] prior to their [[1994 UAB Blazers football team|debut season]] in [[1994]]. Doyle intended the song, "to sound like a turn-of-the-century piece," as a means of "appreciation for tradition" among students. 
* [[Rodregis Brooks]], cornerback, Indianapolis Colts (2001)
* [[Chris Brown]], cornerback, Jacksonville Jaguars (2003)
* [[Pernell Davis]], defensive tackle, Philadelphia Eagles (1999)
* [[Josh Evans]], defensive tackle, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1995-2001), New York Jets (2002-4)
* [[Carl Fair]], running back, Cleveland Browns (2001)
* [[Eddie Freeman]], defensive end/tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (2002-3)
* [[Otis Leverette]], defensive end, Washington Redskins (2001-2), San Diego Chargers (2003), San Francisco 49ers (2004)
* [[Izell Reese]], cornerback/safety, Dallas Cowboys (1998-2001), Denver Broncos (2002), Buffalo Bills (2003-4)
* [[Dainon Sydney]], cornerback, Tennessee Titans (1998-2002), Buffalo Bills (2003)
* [[Bryan Thomas]], defensive end, New York Jets (2002-2005)
* [[Roddy White]], wide receiver, Atlanta Falcons (2005-)
* [[Zac Woodfin]], linebacker, Baltimore Ravens (2005-)


== Basketball ==
<blockquote>
=== Men's Basketball ===
All hail alma mater<br />
The '''UAB Blazers''', in effect, started its entire athletics program with the creation of a men's basketball team in 1978.  Setting the standards high from the start, UAB hired former [[UCLA]] and [[University of Memphis|Memphis]] head coach, '''[[Gene Bartow]]'''. Known to many as the "Father of UAB athletics", legendary Coach Gene Bartow led the Blazers to almost instant success.  Since their inaugural season, the Blazers have made 13 appearances in the [[NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament|NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament]] including 3 [[Sweet Sixteen (NCAA Basketball Tournament)|Sweet Sixteen]] appearances and 1 [[Elite Eight]] appearance.  After only 28 years of basketball, UAB has had 25 winning seasons and had memorable wins over the [[Virginia Cavaliers]], the [[Kentucky Wildcats]], the [[Louisville Cardinals]], the [[Crimson Tide|Alabama Crimson Tide]], the [[Indiana Hoosiers]], and the [[Memphis Tigers]] among others.  In 2004, the school once again gained national attention when it upset the No. 1-seeded [[Kentucky Wildcats]] in the second round of the tournament and advanced to the [[Sweet Sixteen (NCAA Basketball Tournament)|Sweet Sixteen]]. The Blazers have amassed an impressive 557 wins to only 328 losses since 1978 giving UAB the 25th best all-time winning percentage in college basketball history.  The UAB men's basketball team has been ranked in the [[Associated Press]] Top 25 Poll more than 30 times in school history and has even been ranked among the Top 10 in the nation. Up until the early 1990s, UAB played its home games at the [[Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex]].  Today, UAB plays its home basketball games in [[Bartow Arena]]. The current head coach, '''[[Mike Davis (coach)|Mike Davis]]''', was named head coach of the Blazers in the spring of 2006 and became just the fourth head coach in UAB basketball history.
We sing this song for thee<br />
Raise up the banner, for Blazer victory.<br />
(Fight! Fight! Fight!)<br />
   
All hail alma mater<br />
We pledge to always be<br />
Ever faithful, ever loyal<br />
To dear old UAB!<br />
</blockquote>


{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
===Fight song===
|+'''UAB Basketball Coaches'''
{{Main|UAB fight song}}
|-
<blockquote>
! Coach !! Years !! style="width:120px" | Wins-Losses
At UAB in Birmingham<br />
|-
All hail our players bold<br />
| [[Gene Bartow]] || 1978-1996 || 365-204 (.641)
They are the mighty Blazers<br />
|-
Who wear the green and gold.<br />
| [[Murry Bartow]] || 1996-2002 || 103-83 (.554)
|-
Tonight let's fire their golden blaze<br />
| [[Mike Anderson (basketball coach)|Mike Anderson]] || 2002-2006 || 89-41 (.685)
The flame of victory<br />
|-
Go Blazers! Go Blazers!<br />
| [[Mike Davis (coach)|Mike Davis]] || 2006-Present || 6-4 (.600)
Win for UAB!<br />
|-
</blockquote>
| '''Overall''' ||  || 563-332 (.630)
|}


== Soccer ==
== Football ==
=== Men's Soccer ===
{{main|UAB Blazers football}}
UAB began a men's soccer program back in 1979. Throughout its history, UAB has enjoyed quite a bit of success in both the men's and women's soccer programs. The men's team has been in the NCAA Tournament a total of 5 times including 1 Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2001. The men's team has been ranked both regionally and nationally numerous times throughout its history.  One of UAB's biggest wins in the men's team history came when UAB upset the #1-ranked [[UCLA Bruins]] in 1997 by a score of 2-0.  UAB would upset another #1-ranked team in 2006 when they beat the [[Southern Methodist University|SMU Mustangs]] by a score of 2-1.  The men's team plays their home games at UAB's West Campus Field.  Mike Getman is the head coach of the men's team.  Since 1993, the men's team has won 78.4% of its games played at West Campus Field.
UAB began its football program in Division III of the NCAA in [[1991]]. [[Jim Hilyer]] was the first head coach of the Blazers, from 1991-1994. [[Watson Brown]] took over as head coach in 1995 and oversaw the team's advancement into Division I-A in [[1996]], and membership in Conference USA in [[1999]].  The program was discontinued after the 2014 season.


=== Women's Soccer ===
In [[2000]], UAB achieved a monumental victory by beating [[Nick Saban]]'s LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge. In 2004, UAB earned their first bowl trip, losing to the University of Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.  
Though only beginning a women's soccer program only in 1996, the UAB women's soccer team has already been in the NCAA Tournament and has also been ranked several times in its history. The UAB women's soccer team has won the [[Conference USA]] Championship 3 times in ten years, including the most recent in 2006. Paul Harbin is the head coach of the women's team.  Like the men, the women's team plays their home games at UAB's West Campus Field.


== Rivals ==
UAB played the majority of its home football games at [[Legion Field]]. Through its marketing department, the team has sought to establish the University of Memphis as its primary on-field rival, creating the "[[Battle for the Bones]]" trophy for the winner of the annual match-up.
Rivals are conference opponents [[Memphis Tigers|Memphis]] (football and basketball) and [[Southern Miss Golden Eagles|Southern Miss]](football). Beginning with 2006 the UAB-Memphis football rivalry is called the '''[[Battle for the Bones]]''' (sometimes known as "The BBQ Bowl") and includes both professional and amateur barbecue contests as part of the pregame festivities.  This event was created from the ideas of several UAB students and with the efforts of Daniel Walters (GangGreen President) and Andrew Brashier (USGA President).  The winner of the game receives a traveling 100-pound bronze rack of ribs trophy, known as '''[[‘The Bones’ trophy]]'''.


== Mascots ==
Following the 3-9 [[2006 UAB Blazers|2006 season]], Watson Brown resigned to take the head coaching job at Tennessee Tech, in his home town. The search for a replacement focused first on Louisiana State University assistant Jimbo Fisher, but the [[University of Alabama System]] Board of Trustees rejected the proposed contract amount [http://www.al.com/ncaafootball/lindys/index.ssf?/base/sports/116638591067080.xml&coll=9]. Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was named head coach on December 17, [[2006]]. After 5 seasons and a 18-42 record, Callaway was fired and replaced by Arkansas offensive coordinator [[Garrick McGee]]. McGee left after two seasons and former Jacksonville State head coach [[Bill Clark]] was named as his replacement in January [[2014]].
The current UAB mascot is a green dragon named '''Blaze'''. Former mascots included a nordic warrior and perhaps the most beloved Beauregard T. Rooster that met an untimely demise when threatened with legal action by the San Diego Chicken.


== Attendance Records ==
{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
|+'''Top Football Attendance Records'''
|+'''UAB Head Football Coaches'''
|-
|-
! !! Opponent !! style="width:120px" | Attendance
! Coach !! Years !! style="width:120px" | Wins-Losses
|-
|-
| 1 || Southern Miss (2003) || 44,669
| [[Jim Hilyer]] || 1991-1994 || 27-12-2 (.692)
|-
|-
| 2 || Mississippi State (2006) || 36,104
| [[Watson Brown]] || 1995-2006 || 62-74 (.456)
|-
|-
| 3 || TCU (2004) || 33,280
| [[Neil Callaway]] || 2007-2011 || 18-42 (.300)
|-
|-
| 4 || Troy (2006) || 32,818
| [[Garrick McGee]] || 2012-2013 || 5-19 (.208)
|-
|-
| 5 || Virginia Tech (1998) || 31,897
| [[Bill Clark]] || 2014, 2016-2021 || 49-26 (.653)
|-
|-
| 6 || Southern Miss (2005) || 31,363
| [[Bryant Vincent]] || 2022-  || 0-0 (.000)
|-
|-
| 7 || Kansas (1998) || 30,543
| '''Overall''' || || 162-173-2 (.484)
|-
| 8 || Houston (1999) || 28,573
|}
|}
== Basketball ==
=== Men's basketball ===
{{main|UAB Blazers basketball}}
[[Image:Gene Bartow.jpg|right|thumb|125px|Gene Bartow]]
The '''UAB Blazers''', in effect, started its entire athletics program with the creation of a men's basketball team in 1978.  Setting the standards high from the start, UAB hired former UCLA and Memphis State University head coach, [[Gene Bartow]].  Known to many as the "Father of UAB athletics", legendary Coach Gene Bartow led the Blazers to almost instant success.  Since their inaugural season, the Blazers have made 15 appearances in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament including 3 Sweet Sixteen appearances and 1 Elite Eight appearance. After only 43 years of basketball, UAB has had 37 winning seasons; 26 20-win seasons and had memorable wins over the Virginia Cavaliers, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Louisville Cardinals, the [[Alabama Crimson Tide]], the Indiana Hoosiers, and the Memphis State Tigers among others.  In [[2004]], the school once again gained national attention when it upset No. 1-seed Kentucky in the second round of the tournament and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. The Blazers have amassed an impressive 664 wins to only 385 losses since 1978 giving UAB the 25th best all-time winning percentage in college basketball history. The UAB men's basketball team has been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll more than 30 times in school history and has even been ranked among the Top 10 in the nation. Through the 1988-89 season, UAB played its home games at the [[Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex]]. Today, UAB plays its home basketball games in [[Bartow Arena]]. The current head coach, [[Andy Kennedy]], was named head coach of the Blazers in the spring of [[2020]], the seventh head coach in UAB basketball history.


{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
|+'''Top 10 Home Basketball Games at the [[Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex|BJCC]]'''
|+'''UAB Blazers Men's Basketball Head Coaches'''
|-
|-
! !! Opponent !! style="width:120px" | Attendance
! Coach !! Years !! style="width:120px" | Wins-Losses
|-
| 1 || DePaul (1980) || 17,309
|-
| 2 || DePaul (1985) || 17,222
|-
|-
| 3 || Auburn (1984) || 17,025
| [[Gene Bartow]] || 1978–1996 || 365-204 (.641)
|-
|-
| 4 || Indiana (1997) || 16,982
| [[Murry Bartow]] || 1996–2002 || 103-83 (.554)
|-
|-
| 5 || Virginia Commonwealth (1985) || 16,866
| [[Mike Anderson]] || 2002–2006 || 89-41 (.685)
|-
|-
| 6 || Auburn (1986) || 16,815
| [[Mike Davis]] || 2006–2012 || 123-75 (.621)
|-
|-
| 7 || Auburn (1983) || 16,803
| [[Jerod Haase]] || 2012–2016 || 80-53 (.602)
|-
|-
| 8 || Auburn (1982) || 16,797
| [[Rob Ehsan]] || 2016–2020 || 76-57 (.571)
|-
|-
| 9 || South Florida (1985) || 16,781
| [[Andy Kennedy]] || 2020- || 49-15 (.766)
|-
|-
| 10T || Virginia (1982) || 16,754
| '''Overall''' || || 885-525 (.624)
|-
| 10T || Louisville (1982) || 16,754
|}
|}
=== Women's basketball ===
Since its inaugural [[1978]]-[[1979]] season, the UAB Blazers women's basketball team has an overall record of 668-575 (.537). The team has claimed five conference championships and has been invited to two NCAA Tournaments, including an appearance in the Sweet 16 in [[2000]]. The Blazers have also participated in five WNIT tournaments, advancing once to the Elite Eight, and were the champions of the [[2011]] WBI tournament. The team, originally called the "Lady Blazers", adopted the gender-neutral moniker under coach [[Audra Smith]].


{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align: center"
|+'''Top 10 Home Basketball Games at [[Bartow Arena]]'''
|+'''UAB Blazers Women's Basketball Head Coaches'''
|-
|-
! !! Opponent !! style="width:120px" | Attendance
! Coach !! Years !! style="width:120px" | Wins-Losses
|-
| 1 || Louisville (2005) || 9,354
|-
| 2 || Cincinnati (2004) || 9,312
|-
| 3 || Cincinnati (2000) || 9,279
|-
|-
| 4 || Cincinnati (1996) || 9,213
| [[Fran Braasch]] || 1978-1981 || 58-33 (.637)
|-
|-
| 5 || Alcorn State (1989) || 9,010
| [[Avie Bridges]] || 1981-1984 || 37-44 (.456)
|-
|-
| 6 || Arkansas (1990) || 8,951
| [[Bill Ivey]]  || 1984-1987 || 38-50 (.432)
|-
|-
| 7 || Cincinnati (1994) || 8,907
| [[Jeannie Milling]] || 1987-2004 || 265-230 (.536)
|-
|-
| 8 || Western Kentucky (1991) || 8,879
| [[Audra Smith]] || 2004-2013 || 138-138 (.500)
|-
|-
| 9 || Auburn (1990) || 8,879
| [[Randy Norton]] || 2013-Present || 163–112 (.593)
|-
|-
| 10 || Auburn (1996) || 8,665
| '''Overall''' || || 699-607 (.535)
|}
|}


== Blazers ISP Radio Network ==
==Baseball==
UAB athletic events can be heard on the following stations:
The UAB men's baseball team plays home games at [[Regions Park]] and at [[Young Memorial Field]] on [[University Boulevard]]. The baseball coach is [[Casey Dunn]], who left the cross-town rival [[Samford Bulldogs]] team.  Dunn joined the Blazers on [[June 23]], [[2021]]. 
* [[WYDE-FM]] 101.1 [[Birmingham]]/[[Huntsville]]/[[Tuscaloosa]]/[[Gadsden]]
 
* WTRB-FM 98.3 [[Talladega]]/[[Ashland]]
The Blazers have had six former [[baseball player]]s make it to the Major Leagues.  [[Hector Villanueva]] played 4 seasons ([[1990]] - [[1993]]) with the Chicago Cubs and [[St. Louis Cardinals]]; [[Chris Hammond]] played a total of 14 seasons between 1990 and [[2006]] with 8 different teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Florida, New York Yankees, Oakland, San Diego); [[Garrett Whitlock]] has played 2 seasons [[2021]] - [[2022]] with the [[Boston Red Sox]]; [[Graham Ashcraft]] has played 1 season, 2022 with the [[Cincinnati Reds]]; [[Brewer Hicklen]] has played 1 season, 2022 with the [[Kansas City Royals]]; and [[James Naile]] has played 1 season, 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
* WIQR-AM 1410 [[Montgomery]]/[[Prattville]]
 
==Softball==
The women's softball team plays at [[Mary Bowers Field]].
 
== Soccer ==
=== Men's Soccer ===
UAB began a men's soccer program back in 1979. Throughout its history, UAB has enjoyed quite a bit of success in both the men's and women's soccer programs.  The men's team has been in the NCAA Tournament a total of 7 times including 1 Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2001. The men's team has been ranked both regionally and nationally numerous times throughout its history.  One of UAB's biggest wins in the men's team history came when UAB upset the #1-ranked [[UCLA Bruins]] in 1997 by a score of 2-0. UAB would upset another #1-ranked team in 2006 when they beat the [[Southern Methodist University|SMU Mustangs]] by a score of 2-1.  The men's team plays their home games at UAB's [[PNC Field]].  [[Jeff Kinney]] is the head coach of the men's team.
 
=== Women's Soccer ===
Though only beginning a women's soccer program only in 1996, the UAB women's soccer team has already been in the NCAA Tournament and has also been ranked several times in its history.  The UAB women's soccer team has won the [[Conference USA]] Championship 3 times in ten years, including the most recent in 2006. [[Erica Demers]] is the head coach of the women's team.  Like the men, the women's team plays their home games at UAB's PNC Field.
 
==Former sports==
{{main|UAB Blazers synchronized swimming}}
UAB currently fields a varsity synchronized swimming team. Established in [[1999]], the program was spurred by the interest of President [[Ann Reynolds]] in the sport. On [[April 10, 2008]] the University announced that the team would be disbanded at the end of the [[2009]] season.  It was being discontinued because of the very small number of NCAA-sanctioned competitors across the country.
 
== Championships ==
'''Conference championships (50)'''
* Men's Basketball (11):  [[1981]] · [[1982]] · [[1983]] · [[1984]] · [[1987]] · [[1990]] · [[1999]] · [[2004]] · [[2011]] · [[2015]] · [[2016]]  · [[2022]]
* Men's Tennis (5):  [[1991]] · [[1992]] · [[1993]] · [[1994]] · [[1995]]
* Women's Basketball (5):  [[1990]] · [[1991]] · [[1992]] · [[1994]] · [[2018]]
* Women's Tennis (4):  [[1993]] · [[1994]] · [[1995]] · [[1996]]
* Women's Volleyball (4):  [[1990]] · [[1991]] · [[1992]] · [[2006]]
* Men's Baseball (4):  [[1991]] · [[1992]] · [[1994]] · [[2012]]
* Men's Soccer (3):  [[1994]] · [[1995]] · [[1999]] · [[2011]]
* Women's Soccer (3):  [[2003]] · [[2004]] · [[2006]]
* Women's Cross Country (2):  [[1995]] · [[2006]]
* Football (2): [[2018]] · [[2020]]
* Rifle (2): [[2019]] · [[2020]]
* Men's Golf (1): [[1991]] · [[2008]]
* Women's Indoor Track (1):  [[1995]]
* Women's Outdoor Track (1):  [[1995]]
* Softball (1): [[2013]]
 
{{UAB}}
 
==See also==
* [[UAB Athletics Hall of Fame]]
* [[UAB Athletics Foundation]]


==References==
==References==
* "UAB Blazers." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 17 Dec 2006, 22:23 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 18 Dec 2006 [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UAB_Blazers&oldid=94967735].
* "Fans' choice is decisive; it's the UAB Blazers" (January 20, 1978) ''UAB Report''. Vol. 2, No. 17, p. 1
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UAB_Blazers UAB Blazers]" (December 17, 2006) Wikipedia - accessed December 18, 2006
* Buchanan, Charles & Rosalind Fournier (January 2017) "[http://www.uab.edu/uabmagazine/features/blazer-beginnings Blazer Beginnings: The stories behind some of UAB's spirited traditions]" ''UAB Magazine''


[[Category:UAB]]
[[Category:UAB Blazers|*]]
[[Category:UAB basketball]]
[[Category:UAB football]]
{{GFDL}}

Latest revision as of 16:14, 16 July 2022

UAB Blazers full-dragon logo.gif

The UAB Blazers are the athletic teams which represent the University of Alabama at Birmingham. UAB is a member of the "Conference USA" athletic conference and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I. The Blazers' team colors are forest green and gold and the mascot is a fire-breathing dragon named Blaze.

UAB athletics is known primarily for the success of the men's basketball team. The university's athletic department was created in 1978 by legendary basketball coach Gene Bartow who led the Blazers basketball team to the elite eight of the 1982 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, played in Birmingham at the BJCC.

UAB began its football program as a club team in 1989 joining Division III of the NCAA in 1991. The program moved up to Division I-AA in 1993 and finally to Division I-A in 1996 under head coach Watson Brown and becoming a football-playing member of Conference USA in 1999. The football program was eliminated after the 2014 season. The football Blazers played the majority of their home games at Legion Field. After a 2 season hiatus the football Blazers returned to the field under the leadership of Bill Clark. In 2021 the team moved into newly constructed Protective Stadium.

In addition to men's basketball, UAB also has programs in men's sports for baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's sports programs include basketball, bowling, golf, rifle, sand volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The university announced that the women's bowling and rifle teams would be eliminated at the conclusion of their 2014-15 seasons. UAB will add a men's cross country team beginning with the 2015-16 academic year to maintain the school's Division I status. Six months later, the University reversed the decision, restoring the three teams.

UAB Blazer athletic programming is broadcast on the Blazers ISP Radio Network, including WJOX FM 94.5 and WJQX FM 100.5 in the Birmingham area.

Traditions

mascot

Main article: Blaze

UAB's first intercollegiate athletic team, Gene Bartow's men's basketball squad, was set to begin competition in 1978. In late 1977 a group of student leaders were brought to the offices of the UAB Student Government Association to brainstorm ideas for names. One of those students, Tommy Burns, suggested "Trail Blazers" as appropriate to a newly-launched program. He was also inspired by the recently-crowned NBA champions, the Portland Trail Blazers. After some discussion, the suggested name was shortened to "Blazers" and submitted, along with three other suggestions to a vote of students, faculty and staff in January 1978. Students Eddie Smith and Ted Greer helped to popularize the "Blazers" suggestion, which won the poll with 1,147 votes, versus 586 for "Barons", 451 for "Titans", and 386 for "Warriors."

The Blazers name did not immediately suggest a mascot, and over the years there have been a number of costumed mascots representing the Blazers. Since 1996 "Blaze the Dragon" has served as the Blazers' official mascot.

Alma Mater

Here in Alabama, a place of rich diversity,
stands our Alma Mater. We cherish her integrity.
May each loyal son and daughter wear
proudly the colors green and gold.
Praise to thee, our UAB. Her honor we uphold.

Yearning minds of age and youth
live and love her noble truth.
Moving ahead with blazing speed
t'wards knowledge to empow'r,
in the heart of Birmingham our UAB stands proud.

Blazer Victory

The music and lyrics for "Blazer Victory" were written by Danny Doyle for the UAB Marching Blazers prior to their debut season in 1994. Doyle intended the song, "to sound like a turn-of-the-century piece," as a means of "appreciation for tradition" among students.

All hail alma mater
We sing this song for thee
Raise up the banner, for Blazer victory.
(Fight! Fight! Fight!)

All hail alma mater
We pledge to always be
Ever faithful, ever loyal
To dear old UAB!

Fight song

Main article: UAB fight song

At UAB in Birmingham
All hail our players bold
They are the mighty Blazers
Who wear the green and gold.

Tonight let's fire their golden blaze
The flame of victory
Go Blazers! Go Blazers!
Win for UAB!

Football

Main article: UAB Blazers football

UAB began its football program in Division III of the NCAA in 1991. Jim Hilyer was the first head coach of the Blazers, from 1991-1994. Watson Brown took over as head coach in 1995 and oversaw the team's advancement into Division I-A in 1996, and membership in Conference USA in 1999. The program was discontinued after the 2014 season.

In 2000, UAB achieved a monumental victory by beating Nick Saban's LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge. In 2004, UAB earned their first bowl trip, losing to the University of Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl.

UAB played the majority of its home football games at Legion Field. Through its marketing department, the team has sought to establish the University of Memphis as its primary on-field rival, creating the "Battle for the Bones" trophy for the winner of the annual match-up.

Following the 3-9 2006 season, Watson Brown resigned to take the head coaching job at Tennessee Tech, in his home town. The search for a replacement focused first on Louisiana State University assistant Jimbo Fisher, but the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees rejected the proposed contract amount [1]. Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was named head coach on December 17, 2006. After 5 seasons and a 18-42 record, Callaway was fired and replaced by Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee. McGee left after two seasons and former Jacksonville State head coach Bill Clark was named as his replacement in January 2014.

UAB Head Football Coaches
Coach Years Wins-Losses
Jim Hilyer 1991-1994 27-12-2 (.692)
Watson Brown 1995-2006 62-74 (.456)
Neil Callaway 2007-2011 18-42 (.300)
Garrick McGee 2012-2013 5-19 (.208)
Bill Clark 2014, 2016-2021 49-26 (.653)
Bryant Vincent 2022- 0-0 (.000)
Overall 162-173-2 (.484)

Basketball

Men's basketball

Main article: UAB Blazers basketball
Gene Bartow

The UAB Blazers, in effect, started its entire athletics program with the creation of a men's basketball team in 1978. Setting the standards high from the start, UAB hired former UCLA and Memphis State University head coach, Gene Bartow. Known to many as the "Father of UAB athletics", legendary Coach Gene Bartow led the Blazers to almost instant success. Since their inaugural season, the Blazers have made 15 appearances in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament including 3 Sweet Sixteen appearances and 1 Elite Eight appearance. After only 43 years of basketball, UAB has had 37 winning seasons; 26 20-win seasons and had memorable wins over the Virginia Cavaliers, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Louisville Cardinals, the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Indiana Hoosiers, and the Memphis State Tigers among others. In 2004, the school once again gained national attention when it upset No. 1-seed Kentucky in the second round of the tournament and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. The Blazers have amassed an impressive 664 wins to only 385 losses since 1978 giving UAB the 25th best all-time winning percentage in college basketball history. The UAB men's basketball team has been ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll more than 30 times in school history and has even been ranked among the Top 10 in the nation. Through the 1988-89 season, UAB played its home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Today, UAB plays its home basketball games in Bartow Arena. The current head coach, Andy Kennedy, was named head coach of the Blazers in the spring of 2020, the seventh head coach in UAB basketball history.

UAB Blazers Men's Basketball Head Coaches
Coach Years Wins-Losses
Gene Bartow 1978–1996 365-204 (.641)
Murry Bartow 1996–2002 103-83 (.554)
Mike Anderson 2002–2006 89-41 (.685)
Mike Davis 2006–2012 123-75 (.621)
Jerod Haase 2012–2016 80-53 (.602)
Rob Ehsan 2016–2020 76-57 (.571)
Andy Kennedy 2020- 49-15 (.766)
Overall 885-525 (.624)

Women's basketball

Since its inaugural 1978-1979 season, the UAB Blazers women's basketball team has an overall record of 668-575 (.537). The team has claimed five conference championships and has been invited to two NCAA Tournaments, including an appearance in the Sweet 16 in 2000. The Blazers have also participated in five WNIT tournaments, advancing once to the Elite Eight, and were the champions of the 2011 WBI tournament. The team, originally called the "Lady Blazers", adopted the gender-neutral moniker under coach Audra Smith.

UAB Blazers Women's Basketball Head Coaches
Coach Years Wins-Losses
Fran Braasch 1978-1981 58-33 (.637)
Avie Bridges 1981-1984 37-44 (.456)
Bill Ivey 1984-1987 38-50 (.432)
Jeannie Milling 1987-2004 265-230 (.536)
Audra Smith 2004-2013 138-138 (.500)
Randy Norton 2013-Present 163–112 (.593)
Overall 699-607 (.535)

Baseball

The UAB men's baseball team plays home games at Regions Park and at Young Memorial Field on University Boulevard. The baseball coach is Casey Dunn, who left the cross-town rival Samford Bulldogs team. Dunn joined the Blazers on June 23, 2021.

The Blazers have had six former baseball players make it to the Major Leagues. Hector Villanueva played 4 seasons (1990 - 1993) with the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals; Chris Hammond played a total of 14 seasons between 1990 and 2006 with 8 different teams (Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Florida, New York Yankees, Oakland, San Diego); Garrett Whitlock has played 2 seasons 2021 - 2022 with the Boston Red Sox; Graham Ashcraft has played 1 season, 2022 with the Cincinnati Reds; Brewer Hicklen has played 1 season, 2022 with the Kansas City Royals; and James Naile has played 1 season, 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Softball

The women's softball team plays at Mary Bowers Field.

Soccer

Men's Soccer

UAB began a men's soccer program back in 1979. Throughout its history, UAB has enjoyed quite a bit of success in both the men's and women's soccer programs. The men's team has been in the NCAA Tournament a total of 7 times including 1 Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2001. The men's team has been ranked both regionally and nationally numerous times throughout its history. One of UAB's biggest wins in the men's team history came when UAB upset the #1-ranked UCLA Bruins in 1997 by a score of 2-0. UAB would upset another #1-ranked team in 2006 when they beat the SMU Mustangs by a score of 2-1. The men's team plays their home games at UAB's PNC Field. Jeff Kinney is the head coach of the men's team.

Women's Soccer

Though only beginning a women's soccer program only in 1996, the UAB women's soccer team has already been in the NCAA Tournament and has also been ranked several times in its history. The UAB women's soccer team has won the Conference USA Championship 3 times in ten years, including the most recent in 2006. Erica Demers is the head coach of the women's team. Like the men, the women's team plays their home games at UAB's PNC Field.

Former sports

Main article: UAB Blazers synchronized swimming

UAB currently fields a varsity synchronized swimming team. Established in 1999, the program was spurred by the interest of President Ann Reynolds in the sport. On April 10, 2008 the University announced that the team would be disbanded at the end of the 2009 season. It was being discontinued because of the very small number of NCAA-sanctioned competitors across the country.

Championships

Conference championships (50)

UAB monogram.png The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Blazers Athletics Baseball · Basketball · Football · Hall of Fame · Mascots · Soccer · Softball
Athletic Venues Bartow Arena · PNC Field · Intramural Field · Legacy Pavilion · Mary Bowers Field · Track and Field Complex · West Campus Field · Young Memorial Field
Campus Alys Stephens Center · Campus Green · Hill Student Center · Lister Hill Library · Mervyn H. Sterne Library
Housing Blazer Hall · Blount Hall · Camp Hall · Denman Hall · Gold Hall · McMahon Hall · Rast Hall
Media BlazeRadio · Digital City Films · Kaleidoscope · UAB Reporter · UAB Magazine  · Vulcan Historical Review
People Administrators · Alumni · Faculty · Miss UAB · Presidents · Professors · Scientists · Staff
Schools Collat School of Business · College of Arts and Sciences · Dentistry · Education · Engineering · Health Professions · Heersink School of Medicine · Nursing · Optometry · Public Health · Graduate School
UAB Medical Center Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital · Kirklin Clinic · UAB Health Centers · UAB Highlands · UAB Hospital

See also

References

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