Creighton University's athletic program has experienced a significant boost since joining the Big East Conference in 2013. The move marked a new era for the Bluejays, providing opportunities for increased competition, exposure, and revenue. As a member of the Big East, Creighton has become a formidable force in collegiate athletics, with its teams consistently performing at high levels in various sports.
History of Creighton University Athletics
Creighton University's athletic program has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The university's teams, known as the Bluejays, have competed in various conferences over the years, including the Missouri Valley Conference and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. However, it was the move to the Big East Conference that marked a significant turning point for the program.
Joining the Big East Conference
In 2013, Creighton University officially joined the Big East Conference, leaving behind the Missouri Valley Conference. The move was seen as a strategic decision to elevate the university's athletic program and increase its national visibility. As a member of the Big East, Creighton gained access to increased resources, better competition, and enhanced exposure through national television broadcasts.
Impact on Creighton Athletics
The decision to join the Big East Conference has had a profound impact on Creighton University's athletic program. Here are a few key areas where the move has made a significant difference:
- Increased Competition: The Big East Conference is home to some of the most storied programs in collegiate athletics, including Georgetown, Villanova, and Xavier. By competing against these teams, Creighton's athletes have been pushed to new heights, resulting in improved performance and increased success.
- Enhanced Exposure: As a member of the Big East, Creighton's games and events are broadcast nationally on major networks, including FOX Sports and CBS Sports. This increased exposure has helped to raise the university's profile, attracting new fans and recruits to the program.
- Revenue Growth: The move to the Big East has also resulted in significant revenue growth for Creighton University's athletic program. With increased exposure and better competition, the university has been able to attract new sponsors and increase ticket sales.
Creighton University's Athletic Teams
Creighton University's athletic program consists of 14 teams, including:
- Men's Basketball
- Women's Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Men's Soccer
- Women's Soccer
- Volleyball
- Men's Tennis
- Women's Tennis
- Men's Golf
- Women's Golf
- Men's Cross Country
- Women's Cross Country
- Rowing
Notable Achievements
Since joining the Big East Conference, Creighton University's athletic teams have achieved numerous successes. Here are a few notable achievements:
- Men's Basketball: The Bluejays have become a force to be reckoned with in the Big East, with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a conference championship in 2017.
- Women's Basketball: The Creighton women's basketball team has also experienced success, with multiple WNIT appearances and a conference championship in 2017.
- Baseball: The Creighton baseball team has become a consistent performer in the Big East, with multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Challenges and Opportunities
While joining the Big East Conference has brought numerous benefits to Creighton University's athletic program, there are also challenges and opportunities that come with being a member of a Power Five conference. Here are a few key areas where the university is focused:
- Recruiting: With increased competition comes the need to attract top recruits. Creighton University's athletic program is focused on building strong relationships with high school coaches and recruits to attract top talent.
- Facilities: As a member of the Big East, Creighton University's athletic facilities must meet the conference's standards. The university is continually investing in its facilities, including the state-of-the-art CHI Health Center Omaha.
- Marketing and Branding: With increased exposure comes the need to build a strong brand. Creighton University's athletic program is focused on developing a strong marketing and branding strategy to attract new fans and promote the university's athletic teams.
Conclusion
Creighton University's athletic program has experienced a significant boost since joining the Big East Conference in 2013. With increased competition, exposure, and revenue, the university's teams have become a force to be reckoned with in collegiate athletics. As the program continues to grow and evolve, Creighton University is focused on building strong relationships with recruits, investing in its facilities, and developing a strong marketing and branding strategy to attract new fans and promote the university's athletic teams.
FAQ Section
What conference is Creighton University a part of?
+Creighton University is a member of the Big East Conference.
What are some of the benefits of being a member of the Big East Conference?
+Some of the benefits of being a member of the Big East Conference include increased competition, exposure, and revenue.
What are some of the challenges of being a member of the Big East Conference?
+Some of the challenges of being a member of the Big East Conference include recruiting top talent, investing in facilities, and developing a strong marketing and branding strategy.