 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Gamecock nickname salutes South Carolina's fighting spirit in many ways |
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
After struggling with several nicknames for more than a decade, the university began identifying itself
with this fowl name in the early 1900s. The Gamecock is a fighting rooster trained to fight other
roosters to the death. The sport, which once soared in popularity in many parts of the country, has
now been outlawed in most states.
When considering the gamecock's traits and historical significance in South Carolina, it's easy to see
that the school didn't pluck the nickname out of thin air. It's been suggested that the school's football
teams at the turn of the century exhibited the aggressive and spirited characteristics often found in the
fighting roosters. That fact combined with the state's long tradition with the breeding and training of
the birds are reasons why the school earned the nickname.
General Thomas Sumter, who gained fame as a guerilla fighter in the Revolutionary War, was known
as the "Fighting Gamecock."
The first use of the nickname had "Game Cock" split into two separate words. Columbia, SC's morning
newspaper, The State, shortened the term to one word in 1903. The name has nested in the hearts of
South Carolina fans ever since.
After struggling with several nicknames for more than a decade, the university began identifying itself
with this fowl name in the early 1900s. The Gamecock is a fighting rooster trained to fight other
roosters to the death. The sport, which once soared in popularity in many parts of the country, has
now been outlawed in most states.
When considering the gamecock's traits and historical significance in South Carolina, it's easy to see
that the school didn't pluck the nickname out of thin air. It's been suggested that the school's football
teams at the turn of the century exhibited the aggressive and spirited characteristics often found in the
fighting roosters. That fact combined with the state's long tradition with the breeding and training of
the birds are reasons why the school earned the nickname.
General Thomas Sumter, who gained fame as a guerilla fighter in the Revolutionary War, was known
as the "Fighting Gamecock."
The first use of the nickname had "Game Cock" split into two separate words. Columbia, SC's morning
newspaper, The State, shortened the term to one word in 1903. The name has nested in the hearts of
South Carolina fans ever since.
Traditions, Mascots, Nicknames & More |