Davidson College Wildcats Football, Davidson

At the start of the 20th Century, Davidson athletic teams were often referred to as the "Red and Black" or "Preachers." But on November 20, 1917, that all changed when the school's football team—comprised of 22 players—traveled to Atlanta to take on powerhouse Auburn. Despite major disadvantages in size and yards gained, Davidson pulled out a 21-7 victory. Atlanta sportswriters were shocked, and from then on, began referring to the team's players as "wildcats" for their feisty style of play and long, bushy tails. Today, the Wildcats moniker unites 21 men's and women's athletic teams, including a men's basketball team that boasts 11 NCAA tournament appearances and one magical run to the Elite Eight in 2008.