Houston Cougars History

The University of Houston has been turning heads ever since it began playing basketball in 1946. Houston won its first game, won a conference championship, and played in the NAIB national tournament in its first year. To prove its first title was not a fluke, Houston came back the next year and won the Lone Star Conference championship again, and has been winning ever since.

In addition to winning those two Lone Star Conference titles, the Cougars have won championships in three other leagues: the Gulf Coast, Missouri Valley and Southwest Conferences. On the national level, the Cougars have played in two NCAA championship games and five Final Fours, made 10 'Sweet Sixteen' appearances, and won both the 1968 and 1983 AP and UPI regular-season national championships. UH has also played in six National Invitation Tournaments and one NIT championship game.

Fight Song

Cougars fight for dear old U of H
For our Alma Mater cheer.
Fight for Houston University
For victory is near.
When the going gets so rough and tough
We never worry 'cause we got the stuff.
So fight, fight, fight for red and white
And we will go to victory.

Spirit and Traditions

Under the leadership of band legend Dr. Bill Moffitt, the Cougar Marching Band has a storied past in which the present-day style of marching band, a move away from the military style, was pioneered. They performed this new style all across the country, and at one point their recording of the Star Spangled Banner was played at Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, as well as the historic tennis match between Billy Jean King and Bobby Riggs. In addition to creating an amazing performance record, Dr. Moffitt also created a spirit classic played by bands all across the nation. “Eat Em’ Up”, inspired by food time calls in the army, has become a second fight song for the University of Houston. Other traditions include the pre-game parade to Robertson Stadium, culminating in a concert for fans and the Cougar football team as it enters the stadium, and the pre-game performance. The Marching Band also possesses a large brass bell, always named after the current band secretary. Carol, as it is known today, is transported to each home game by freshmen and new members and is rung with each point scored. Finally, the band ends each gathering with the singing of the Alma Mater. Members of the Spirit of Houston, with hands raised in the Cougar hand symbol, sing their part to the school song to close practices, performances, and gatherings.