Florida State University Nickname: Seminoles
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Despite an ever-increasing era of political correctness, Florida State continues to embrace the Seminole
Indian heritage of their state. Former FSU president, Dr. Dale Lick has publicly stated that the school
attempts to reflect a positive light on the tribe's "noble, brave and courageous people," He has also
expressed that the school has maintained a great relationship with the tribe by treating Seminole symbols
With dignity and correctness.
After playing the first two football games in their inaugural 1947 season without a symbol, the students
demanded that one be found. The Statesmen fell second to Seminoles in a student body vote. Other
contenders included Rebels, Tarpons, Fighting Warriors and Crackers. Can you imagine Bobby Bowden
now leading his fighting "Saltine's" on the field?
The FSU Seminole war chant has echoed throughout many collegiate stadiums since its refinement in the
early 80's. The intimidating and sometimes deafening cheer was first started by the school's band, the
Marching Chiefs. An added dimension of a chopping motion was developed by the FSU fans and included a
repetitious bend at the elbow. This Seminole cheer grew into a national phenomenon when
Once the Seminole nickname was established it wasn't long before a pair of students dressed as Indians
joined the cheerleaders in supporting the school. This eventually evolved into the establishment of Chief
Osceola and Renegade's mascot reign at the university.
Perhaps the most exhilarating pregame ceremony in college football takes place at FSU home games when
the school's mascot stirs the passions of Seminole fans as they prepare for their opponent's massacre. This
frenzied moment includes a battle dressed Chief Osceola racing on to the field on an appaloosa horse
named Renegade. The intensity builds to a climax when the chief heaves a flaming lance at mid field just
prior to the opening kickoff. Perhaps fittingly this tradition was introduced just before a 1978 game against
the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Former FSU assistant coach and College Football Conference Call radio host, Max Howell, describes this
exciting moment, "If you're out there and you don't get chill bumps, you're a dead man," he said. "That tradition
is the most unreal that I've ever been around. It's unbelievable."
Opposing players that visit Doak Campbell Stadium often gain quite an impression from the pregame
buildup as well. Former University of Tulsa quarterback Richie Stephenson still vividly remembers being
shocked prior to his team's 1985 kickoff against the Seminoles. "It's the closest I've ever come to having a
heart attack. We'd just won the coin toss and our offensive team was huddled on the field near the sideline.
Suddenly the guy across from me eyes get as big as basketballs, Stephenson exclaimed.
"I turn around to see what's going on and this huge horse with a screaming Indian riding it, is running
straight at me and is nearly on top of me. The crowd's roaring and the Indian is holding a flaming spear."
Pausing to laugh, Stephenson added, "I almost dropped to my knees. I thought I was dead."
Atlanta Braves fans transformed it into the tomahawk chop during the 1991 playoffs and World Series.
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