McKendree University Athletics

McKendree competes in NCAA Division II, which offers athletic scholarships and serious competition without the massive stadiums of Division I. The school awards $7,135,900 in athletic scholarships across 29 varsity sports. With 1,011 total athletes out of 1,600 students, an impressive 63% of the student body participates in varsity athletics. The Bearcats compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference against regional rivals. McKendree has built a particularly strong wrestling program that has produced national champions and All-Americans. The school also fields competitive teams in football, basketball, and soccer. This high level of athletic participation creates a campus culture where sports are central to student life, with many students balancing academics and competition throughout their college experience.