Houston Cougars

Houston Cougars is the name given to the sports teams of the University of Houston. Informally, the Houston Cougars have also been referred to as the Coogs, UH, or simply Houston. Houston's nickname was created by early physical education instructor of the university and former head football coach of the Washington State Cougars John R. Bender, as he had grown fond of the name during his time there. After the dissolution of the Southwest Conference in 1996 (Houston was the last member admitted to the SWC, in 1971), in which these teams were a member, the Cougars became charter members of Conference USA as a part of the West Division. Also in the West Division of Conference USA is Houston's major sports rival, cross-town Rice University. Starting in 2013, Houston will be a member of the Big East Conference.