Mascots have been a staple of college football tradition since the sport's inception in 1869. Even with the trend of switching from live animals to students rallying the team's fans, mascots are still a unique aspect of college football unparalleled in the professional ranks. Here are my picks for the 10 most interesting mascots across the country.
1. Chief Osceola and Renegade (Indian Leader and Horse), Florida State University
Before all home football games, a student portraying Seminole leader Osceola charges onto the field riding Renegade, an Appaloosa horse. He rallies the crowd by planting a flaming spear at midfield prior to the start of the game.
The Indian chief and horse duo have been together since the Seminoles' home opener in 1978 against Oklahoma State. Former coach Bobby Bowden's support for this mascot was instrumental in garnering both the university and the Seminole Tribe of Florida's approval.
2. Traveler (Horse), University of Southern California
Traveler is a white horse appearing at all USC home football games. The Trojan warrior who saddles Traveler is a professional horse rider and USC alumnus.Traveler has galloped through Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after every USC score since 1961, spurred on by the band's rendition of "Conquest." Allegedly, Heisman Trophy winner and former USC tailback O.J. Simpson decided to play for the Trojans after seeing Traveler on a televised football game.
3. Cowboy Joe and Pistol Pete, University of Wyoming
Wyoming's mascots tend to go a little under the radar, just like its football team. Pistol Pete is a student dressed up as a cowboy that will roam the sidelines and even the stands in an effort to entertain. Wyoming also features Cowboy Joe, a dressed-up pony who makes laps around the field to celebrate following a touchdown.
4. Hokie Bird, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech's first nickname was the "Fighting Gobblers," which originated when the school was still called Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. This came about from the athletes "gobbling" their meals. The first Fighting Gobbler took the field in 1962, but resembled a cardinal with dyed turkey feathers. In 1981, athletic director Bill Dooley led a campaign to revamp the mascot. The Hokie Bird, a turkey-like figure, was the new creation and the school's nickname became the Hokies. Nonetheless, "Hokie" has nothing to do with a turkey, instead it is a term originated in the university's official cheer and was originally spelled "Hoki".
5. Notre Dame Leprechaun, University of Notre Dame
The live leprechaun is a student chosen at annual tryouts and is dressed in a green suit with an Irish country hat. His cheers supposedly give magical powers and good luck to the Fighting Irish. The leprechaun was named the official mascot in 1965 replacing terrier dogs, Notre Dame's original mascot.
6. Mike the Tiger, Louisiana State University
Mike is a live Bengal tiger, originally purchased from the Little Rock Zoo in 1935. Every enrolled student donated 25 cents to raise the $750 required for the purchase. His wheeled cage i
A version of this article appeared in the Aug 24 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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