Outrageous Ambitions: How a One-Room Schoolhouse Became a Research University
Athletics Through the Years
Today, Duke is best known as a basketball powerhouse, but the school’s roots in athletics go back to the 19th century, and cover a wide range of men’s and women’s sports.
La Gloire des Diables Bleus lapel pin
The Blue Devil became Trinity College’s official mascot around 1921. The Chasseurs Alpins, a famous French military regiment during World War I, called themselves “les Diables Bleus” and wore distinctive blue uniforms. As the war was ending in Europe, so was Trinity’s nearly 25 year football ban, and the Trinity Chronicle ran a contest to determine the mascot for the team. The Blue Devils were chosen from among nominations of Blue Titans, Blue Eagles, Polar Bears, Blue Devils, Royal Blazes, and the Blue Warriors.
Blue Devil Doll
The Blue Devil became Trinity College’s official mascot around 1921. The Chasseurs Alpins, a famous French military regiment during World War I, called themselves “les Diables Bleus” and wore distinctive blue uniforms. As the war was ending in Europe, so was Trinity’s nearly 25 year football ban, and the Trinity Chronicle ran a contest to determine the mascot for the team. The Blue Devils were chosen from among nominations of Blue Titans, Blue Eagles, Polar Bears, Blue Devils, Royal Blazes, and the Blue Warriors.
Trinity Baseball Uniform Top
Trinity College baseball uniform from the 1910s. The uniform is made of heavy wool. The color of the word "Trinity" across the chest would have been a dark blue (similar to that seen on the stirrups), but has faded.
Football in the 1920s
A football contest during the 1926-1927 season. The game is being played on what is now East Campus.
Victory Bell Original Clapper
In the 1960s, Duke students stole the Victory Bell clapper after a UNC victory. Nearly 30 years later, the alumnus who held the stolen clapper donated it to the Duke University Archives.
Victory Bell, 1948
One of the most storied Duke athletic rivalries is that of Duke and UNC football. Each year, the winner of the game takes possession of the “Victory Bell” until the teams meet again. The Victory Bell was built by the 1948 head cheerleaders from Duke, Loring Jones, and UNC, Norman Sper.
Women's Baseball, 1939
Women have played a large role in the athletic fiber of Duke for decades. This photograph shows members of the women's baseball team in 1939. The team existed during the 1930s and 1940s, when women's baseball was popular across the country due to World War II overseas.
Women's Baseball, 1941
Women have played a large role in the athletic fiber of Duke for decades. This photograph shows members of the women's baseball team in 1939. The team existed during the 1930s and 1940s, when women's baseball was popular across the country due to World War II overseas.
1992 National Champions Team Basketball
This ball is signed by members of the 1992 NCAA National Championship team, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
1992 National Champions Basketball (2)
This ball is signed by members of the 1992 NCAA National Championship team, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
1992 National Champions Basketball (3)
This ball is signed by members of the 1992 NCAA National Championship team, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
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