The teams at Binghamton University are represented by the intimidating logo of the Binghamton Bearcats, designed to have a psychological impact on the opponent. The mascot-monster, in a somber color palette, creates a sinister atmosphere, symbolizing incredible strength and determination.
Binghamton Bearcats: Brand overview
Meaning and History
Since 1988, the sports organization’s logo has consisted of a single image: “Baxter the Bearcat,” which became the university’s mascot in 1999. The logo change occurred in connection with the reclassification when the department was moved to the first division of the NCAA. The new symbolism depicts a bearcat with the head of a cat and the body of a bear. The beast is in a waiting pose and has extended one clawed paw forward while holding the university’s name with the other. The beast’s mouth is slightly open, revealing sharp teeth with fangs, which indicate incredible strength, determination, and a resolute attitude.
Below the mascot is the textual part of the logo, arranged in three tiers: “Binghamton” at the top, “Bearcats” in the middle, and “University” at the bottom. All letters are uppercase, with serifs. In the first word (the name of the sports faculty), they are more expressive and styled like a scratch from a cat’s claws.
What is Binghamton Bearcats?
Binghamton Bearcats is the sports division uniting 21 student teams of Binghamton University. It is located in Broome County, New York, and participates in NCAA Division I, being part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Its representatives are also members of the America East Conference, the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (wrestling), the Mid-American Conference (tennis), and the Big Sky Conference (golf).
1999 – 2014
2014 – today
Binghamton Bearcats Basketball
For some time, the men’s basketball team of this university was involved in a scandal that severely tarnished its reputation and sports career. It turned out that the university compromised educational programs and admission rules to staff the team with the best players, bypassing the academic program. As a result, the university lost several employees and athletes. Since then, the Binghamton Bearcats team has never achieved a resounding victory in the overall ranking or the America East Conference that it represents.
The women’s basketball team has never appeared in the “First Division Tournament” but participated in the third and second division games from 1995 to 1998 and 1999, respectively.