Jackson State Tigers and Lady Tigers


The Jackson State Tigers and Lady Tigers represent Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.

Conference affiliation

Jackson State University's athletic teams participate in the Southwestern Athletic Conference which is a part of the NCAA Division I. Football participates in the Football Championship Subdivision. Jackson State University's colors are navy blue and white. The nickname of the men's teams is the Tiger; the nickname of the women's teams is the Lady Tigers.

Sports

For men's teams, Jackson State University sponsors Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track, and Tennis. For women's teams, Jackson State University sponsors Basketball, Softball, Track, Tennis, Volleyball, Soccer, and Bowling.

Football

Annual Football Classics

In 2007, the Tigers defeated the Tigers of Grambling State University 42-31 to lock up the 2007 SWAC Championship. As of 2014, the Jackson State Tigers are 1-4 in the championship game.

Notable alumni

The Tigers have appeared in five NCAA tournaments: 1978, 1991, 1997, 2000, & 2007. As of 2015, the Tigers ranks 4th in the SWAC for number of NCAA appearances. All home games are held at the Williams Assembly Center.

Notable alumni

Baseball

JSU plays their home games at Braddy Field, constructed in 2006.

Notable alumni

The men's and women's golf teams have dominated the SWAC championships. The men have won 21 championships, include 18 consecutive, and the women have won nine.

Athletic traditions

Sonic Boom of the South

Often accompanying the JSU athletic teams is the university's marching band and dance line. They are nicknamed the Sonic Boom of the South and Prancing J-Settes. The band was first organized in the early 1940s. As early as the mid-1920s, the University had a well-organized orchestra. The group was given the nickname, “The Sonic Boom of the South” by band members in 1971. In 1971, the majorettes abandoned their batons and became a dance team known as the Prancing J-Settes. In 1974, “Get Ready,” an old Motown favorite was selected as the band’s theme song. Also, during the mid-1970s, the “Tiger Run-On” was perfected. The “Tiger Run-On” is a fast, eye-catching shuffle step that blends an adagio step with an up-tempo shuffle, then back to adagio—a “Sonic Boom” trademark that brings fans to their feet during halftime performances. In 2003 the marching band was in enshrined in the NCAA Hall of Champions. Also, the marching band was filmed by Electronic Art Sports for inclusion in the 2005 version of the video game "EA Sports NCAA Football 2005". The band performs at football and basketball games.
O'Neil Sanford is the head director of the band.

NFL Halftime appearances