In the past few weeks Pipe Dream has given Binghamton University fans the dirt on its America East rivals. But before one can understand its enemy, it must know itself. So we present ‘Know Thyself: Binghamton University.’

The basics

Location: Vestal, N.Y.

Colors: Green and white

Nickname: Bearcats

Nickname conjures up: A mystical creature with the strength of a bear and the speed of a cat

Nickname is: A relative of the otter

Mascot: Baxter the Bearcat

Reputation: Great men’s soccer team, chronically underachieving men’s basketball team. Rabid fan base that always expects victory. ‘The Ivy of the SUNYs.’

Notable alumni: Tony Kornheiser, Billy Baldwin, Paul Reiser and Art Spiegelman

The dirt

Others hate us because: Our fan base is psychotic, often taking chants too far. We think we’re better than other teams despite the fact that we haven’t really proved ourselves in anything but soccer. We’ll use any excuse to rush the field.

We rule in: Soccer and tennis. Always competitive in basketball, volleyball, baseball, men’s lacrosse and swimming.

When it’s OK to root for them: Always, unless you don’t go to Binghamton and you’re reading this online or for some reason are on BU’s campus and picked up this paper.

Professional comparison: Portland Trail Blazers ‘ The fans are crazy because there’s nothing else going on. The team doesn’t always win, but every season the fans will believe that the Bearcats will win a title.

The history

Brag about: Five straight trips to the AE men’s soccer finals, including two championships; Rory Quiller’s runner-up placing for pole vaulting in the 2006 NCAA tournament; the Events Center; the Bearcats Sports Complex.

Cringe when they mention: No AE basketball titles despite always finishing No. 1 in attendance; the fact that everyone spells it BinghamPton; lack of a football team; the City of Binghamton.

Best chances to win a title (now that soccer lost): Women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, women’s tennis and baseball.

Next chance to see them on campus: Tuesday men’s basketball vs. Central Connecticut State.

Bottom line: Because of the way the students and community come out to support Binghamton athletics, BU is very important to the continued success of the America East. Fans will come, especially seeing that the closest city with a pro sports team is Philadelphia (bet you didn’t know that) ‘ three hours away. Binghamton suffers from a real identity crisis as it is a large public university without big time sports. The sports have made great strides in the seven years of Division I play, but for now ‘ even if BU fans don’t want to admit it ‘ Binghamton still has a ways to go before its name is synonymous with athletics.