News Summary
Florida State University (FSU) celebrates its unique tradition of Chief Osceola and his horse Renegade, representing the university and its athletic teams. This longstanding symbol, approved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, embodies respect and cultural significance. The tradition began in 1962 and has evolved, with detailed procedures to ensure sensitive representation. FSU continues to honor this legacy while engaging with the Seminole Tribe to maintain integrity, culminating in accolades for being a leading NCAA Football Tradition.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida State University’s (FSU) tradition of Chief Osceola and his horse Renegade continues to be a distinctive symbol representing the university and its athletic teams. The current tradition features Chief Osceola, a portrayal of the historical Seminole leader, who rides an Appaloosa horse named Renegade into Doak Campbell Stadium at home football games, carrying a flaming spear which he plants in the turf to signal the start of the game.
The use of Osceola and Renegade as symbols for FSU has received formal consent from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which has been partnering with the university since the concept was first introduced in 1962 by alumnus Bill Durham. The relationship with the tribe has been a key aspect of the program’s integrity and respect, as both parties collaborate to ensure that the portrayal aligns with tribal guidelines, avoiding any derogatory images associated with Native American mascots.
Chief Osceola and Renegade made their official debut on September 16, 1978, during a football game against Oklahoma State University. This longstanding tradition has grown from its origins, where Chick Cicio was the first figure embodying the Seminole spirit around 1958, to the richly ceremonial representation enjoyed today. Although FSU does not categorize Osceola as a traditional mascot, instead labeling him a symbol, the character plays a central role at all home football games and events related to the university.
The university has made significant efforts to ensure that the depiction of Osceola is handled sensitively. For instance, the regalia used by Osceola is designed and approved by members of the Seminole Tribe, ensuring that the attire, including leather clothing, moccasins, and face paint, is respectful to the culture. In 2016, the Student Government Association voted to discourage the wearing of Native American headdresses at university events, reflecting an increased awareness of cultural sensitivity.
Part of the ongoing commitment to maintaining a respectful representation includes a rigorous selection process for the individual portraying Chief Osceola, which involves a lengthy application, interviews, and a two-year apprenticeship before assuming the role. The process ensures that those who represent Osceola uphold high standards in their behavior and academic performance, adhering to promises made by Durham to the Seminole Tribe regarding character and GPA benchmarks.
Renegade, the horse that accompanies Osceola, has had six iterations, with the current horse, Renegade VI, introduced in 2014. Each horse is selected based on specific criteria to ensure they can participate safely and effectively in the ceremonies surrounding the football games.
The relationship between Florida State University and the Seminole Tribe was formalized in a resolution passed in 2005, which endorsed the use of “Seminoles” as the official name for the university’s athletic teams. FSU’s engagement with the tribe has been seen as a proactive step to overcome potential issues posed by the NCAA, which in 2005 expressed concerns about hostile and abusive Native American mascots. FSU was granted an exemption due to its positive partnership with the Seminole Tribe, which continues to affirm the respect surrounding the representation of the tribe’s name in college athletics.
FSU’s traditions of Osceola and Renegade have not gone unnoticed, earning accolades such as being voted the best NCAA Football Tradition by ESPN’s SportsNation prior to the 2011 season. This award speaks to the spirit and pride that the portrayal instills in the FSU community, emphasizing that the tradition is not merely performance, but a profound representation of cultural significance and respect.
Overall, the enduring traditions of Chief Osceola and Renegade at Florida State University exemplify a unique blend of athletic spirit and cultural respect, continuing to captivate fans and honor the heritage of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Chronicle Online: The Origin About FSU’s Osceola and Renegade
- Flamingo Magazine: Florida College Mascots History
- FSU News: The History of Osceola and Renegade
- Florida State Seminoles: Osceola and Renegade
- Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State Football Pregame Ceremony – Osceola & Renegade
- Wikipedia: Chief Osceola
- Google Search: FSU Osceola and Renegade
- Google Scholar: Chief Osceola
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Osceola
- Google News: FSU Osceola Renegade
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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