CBB (Bates–Bowdoin–Colby)

CBB (Bates–Bowdoin–Colby). The CBB is a historic athletic conference and rivalry consortium comprising three prominent liberal arts colleges in Maine: Bates College, Bowdoin College, and Colby College. Founded formally in 1965, it governs competition in 18 NCAA Division III sports, creating a concentrated athletic circuit within the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The alliance is one of the oldest continuous small-college rivalries in the United States, deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of its member institutions.

Overview

The consortium is anchored by three of the most selective colleges in New England, all of which are founding members of the prestigious New England Small College Athletic Conference. The CBB rivalry spans the entire academic year, with competitions in sports including football, ice hockey, basketball, and cross country running. This tripartite structure ensures a dense schedule of high-stakes contests, fostering intense school spirit and alumni engagement across campuses in Lewiston, Brunswick, and Waterville. The conference operates under a rotating governance model among the athletic directors of each institution.

History

The athletic rivalries between these institutions predate the formal consortium, with Bowdoin College and Colby College first meeting on the football field in 1892. Bates College joined the competitive fray in the early 20th century. The modern CBB was officially chartered in 1965 to organize and promote round-robin competition, a move that coincided with the broader organization of NCAA Division III athletics. Key historical moments include the integration of women's sports following the passage of Title IX and the construction of dedicated facilities like Alfond Stadium and the Harold Alfond Athletic Center.

Teams and Sports

Member colleges field varsity teams in a comprehensive array of sports under the CBB umbrella. Prominent men's teams include football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and track and field. Women's teams compete in soccer, basketball, ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and softball. The Bowdoin Polar Bears, Colby Mules, and Bates Bobcats are perennial contenders within the New England Small College Athletic Conference, with many teams advancing to NCAA Division III championship tournaments. The CBB Championship is awarded annually in each sport based on the round-robin results.

Rivalries

The core of the CBB is the intense, three-way rivalry between the institutions, considered one of the most balanced in Division III athletics. The Bowdoin–Colby football rivalry is among the oldest in the nation, while the Bates–Bowdoin and Bates–Colby matchups generate significant passion. In ice hockey, the rivalry is particularly fierce, often determining the champion of the NESCAC Hockey league. Games frequently attract large crowds of students and alumni, with trophies like the Governor's Cup and the CBB Beanpot (in hockey) adding stakes to the competitions.

Achievements

CBB teams have achieved significant national success, capturing multiple NCAA Division III team and individual championships. Bowdoin College has won national titles in field hockey and women's basketball, while Colby College has earned championships in women's rowing and alpine skiing. Bates College has secured national crowns in Nordic skiing and rowing. Individually, numerous CBB athletes have been named All-American and have competed in international events like the Olympic Games. The conference is also renowned for its high academic standards, consistently producing CoSIDA Academic All-America honorees.

Category:Sports conferences in the United States Category:NCAA Division III conferences Category:Sports in Maine Category:University and college athletic conferences in New England