 Well, it has been a while since the last installment of my mascot rankings column. The delay served only to build the suspense for how the top four will look, and allow for more research. As loyal readers know, the Final Four is comprised of UVA, UNC, GT, and FSU (in no particular order). Apparently, Wake Forest in 5th place shocked a lot of people. Well, according to my criteria, “that’s the way the cookie crumbles.” Without further ado, here is the presentation of the No. 4 ACC Mascot: The Florida State University Seminole.
FSU is the home of the only Seminoles in the nation – in terms of college sports nicknames, of course. As you may or may not know, in 2005 the NCAA made a decision to ban the use of Native American symbols for collegiate nicknames and mascots. However, Florida State appealed this ruling, claiming theirs is a special circumstance and asking for a review. The NCAA ruled FSU could keep their nickname on August 23, 2005. The following is a part of the announcement made by NCAA Senior Vice-President for Governance and Membership Bernard Franklin.
“The NCAA Executive Committee continues to believe the stereotyping of Native Americans is wrong. However, in its review of the particular circumstances regarding Florida State, the staff review committee noted the unique relationship between the university and the Seminole Tribe of Florida as a significant factor. The NCAA recognizes the many different points of view on this matter, particularly within the Native American community. The decision of a namesake sovereign tribe, regarding when and how its name and imagery can be used, must be respected even when others may not agree.”
With this in mind, an analysis of the history of the Seminole nickname must be done carefully as it is a sensitive issue. FSU claims it uses the name out of respect for the Native American tribe, and the NCAA investigators agreed. Rather than explain the origins of the nickname, I am quoting the website made by the school for this very purpose:
“For nearly six decades, Florida State University has proudly identified itself with this heroic tribe. The name "Florida State Seminoles" was selected by vote of the university's student body in 1947, shortly after FSU became a coeducational institution and re-established a football team. The name was selected specifically to honor the indomitable spirit of the Florida Seminoles — those people whom the Seminole Tribe of Florida refers to as the "few hundred unconquered Seminole men, women and children left — all hiding in the swamps and Everglades of South Florida." FSU's use of the name honors the strength and bravery of these people, who never surrendered and ultimately persevered.”
So, the Seminoles earn a 4 out of 5 in the originality and history category. They are doing well to respect and give tribute to the Seminole tribe, and as such, deserve a good score.
For the category of creativity, FSU gets all 5 points for the uniqueness of the mascot and the infamous “war chant.” Chief Osceola and Renegade, pictured left, participate in one of the more awesome spectacles observed at college football games. As the athletics website explains, “Perhaps the most spectacular tradition in all of college football occurs in Doak Campbell Stadium when a student portraying the famous Seminole Indian leader, Osceola, charges down the field riding an Appaloosa horse named Renegade and plants a flaming spear at midfield to begin every home game.” Also, the war chant, aka the Tomahawk Chop (as the Atlanta Braves use it), began with the FSU marching band and student section. As their website explains it, “By the time the Atlanta Braves started with it, the chant and the arm motion generally were associated with Florida State's rising football program. The Kansas City Chiefs first heard it when the Northwest Missouri State band, directed by 1969 FSU graduate Al Sergel, performed the chant while the players were warming up for a game against San Diego. Such a powerful cheer, FSU's "war chant" can be linked to Atlanta's and Kansas City's resurgence in their own respective leagues.” So, there is no way around giving FSU a 5 out of 5 – they have some of the coolest traditions around, even if opposing fans find the war chant incessant and annoying.
The final score of 9 puts FSU in the top four, but not ahead of the Ramblin’ Wreck, Tar Heels, and Cavaliers (again, in no particular order). To find out why, be sure to keep up with the rankings. We are working hard for The Fanatic over winter break, so check our magazine and blog websites frequently to see what’s new.
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