[2] Then the Saluki was chosen as SIU's mascot on March 19, 1951, in part because the southern Illinois region is colloquially known as Little Egypt.

[2] A member of the Missouri Valley Conference, Southern Illinois University Carbondale currently sponsors 16 sports—eight each for men and women—in NCAA-sanctioned competition.

SIU is also the 1967 NIT Champions led by NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier.

The Salukis have won 40 games since 2003, ranking 12th in Division 1 football during that time span.

[7] SIU's softball team has appeared in four Women's College World Series, in 1970, 1971, 1977 and 1978.

[10] The plan called for the construction of a new football stadium, renovation of SIU Arena (Now the Banterra Center), a new track and field complex, renovation and new additions of academic buildings, a remodeled Morris Library, and other campus improvements.

Banterra Center is an 8,339-seat arena on the SIU campus; it is the home of Saluki men's and women's basketball teams.

[13] The Troutt-Wittmann Academic and Training Center,[14] a facility to give Saluki athletes the opportunity to gain help with their studies, as well as train and condition, was built with a donation by SIU alumnus and former Saluki football player Thomas Wittmann.