CHIEF OSCEOLA DECLARES WAR
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 midfield 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.”
THE SEMINOLE WAR CHANT
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 Atlanta Braves fans transformed it into the tomahawk chop during the 1991 playoffs and World Series.

Florida Gators

February 8, 2007 | Leave a Comment

“SWAMPING” THEIR OPPONENTS”
Following the 1991 season, Gator coach Steve Spurrier dubbed the school’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field “The Swamp.” Since the former Heisman trophy winning quarterback returned to coach his school in 1990, Florida had developed quite a home field advantage. Florida spent most of the 1990s establishing one of the nations longest home winning streaks. Florida reeled off 30 straight home wins (1994-99) before falling to Alabama midway through the season.
The Gator’s often play in front of larger than capacity crowds (83,000) in the noisy and recently expanded stadium. The Sporting News dubbed Florida Field as the nation’s loudest in 1996 and ABC-College Football Analyst Bob Griese, has described it as deafening.
Florida ’s student section provides more trash talk than a New York landfill with words used that could make a sailor blush. Besides delighting in a Florida win, fans participate in the “Gator chomp,” an action that includes moving their arms up and down like a gator’s jaws. Another tradition is the “awesome slow-fast” wave and cheering along with Mr. 2 Bits, who has been a fixture at Florida games for years.
Florida student Amy Edridge has enjoyed hanging out in “The Swamp.” “It’s full of orange and blue and its tons of adrenaline,” said the political science major. “The whole game is awesome and it’s absolutely insane. Our fans get more involved and we have better chants than other schools. We don’t make Indian noises (take that FSU) the whole game.”
Edridge is quick to defend “The Swamp’s” reputation of being ruthless to opponents. “We don’t make fun of other teams because we’re too busy praising the Gators,” said Edridge.
FLORIDA-GEORGIA: WORLD’S LARGEST OUTDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY
Saying that Florida fans like to party is an understatement. At home games, the longstanding “beer run” tradition has been to issue passes so that people can leave the stadium to get a drink. Mix that Gator zest for a cold one with the rowdiness of Georgia Bulldog fans and watch out. The two schools battle annually in Jacksonville, Florida, in what is deemed as “The world’s largest cocktail party.” The neutral site for the SEC clash includes great tailgating that has spirits flowing in more than one way for the party that every year seems to have a game break out in the middle of it.

RUNNING DOWN THE HILL
This storied Clemson tradition of how the football team enters the stadium is described as the most exciting 25 seconds in college football. The homecoming version tends to last 35 seconds because Clemson dresses 120 players.
The drama builds when the players complete their last warm-up and retreat to their dressing room. The Tigers board two busses and drive around the stadium before getting off and forming at the stadium’s east side. When the cannon sounds and the band begins playing Tiger Rag, the frenzy begins.
Each player rubs Howard’s Rock and then charges down the 100-foot hill and onto the field. Needless to say, fan enthusiasm reaches peak levels early and opponents often fall quickly in “ Death Valley.” Tiger players began running down the hill in 1942, long before Howard’s Rock was set in Clemson stone. The tradition has continued every year since except for a two and a half break in the early 1970s.

Auburn Tigers

February 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment

FEATHURED TIGER AND AUBIE
Nearly thirty years later the student had become an Auburn faculty member. He took the bird to the first Auburn-Georgia football game, an 1892 contest played in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. When Auburn scored the first touchdown, the aging eagle broke free from his old friend and began to soar above the field. When Auburn fans looked upward and saw the eagle they shouted “War Eagle!”
Auburn defeated Georgia on that day, but their fans were saddened when War Eagle died after giving his all for an Auburn victory. However, the eagle’s spirit stills soars today when Auburn faithful stand and shout, “War Eagle,” after a victory.
In 1932, a group of Auburn fans got together and purchased a second eagle from a farmer for $10. However, because of economic problems caused by the great depression, the group could not afford to feed the bird. Therefore, they decided to give it away to a carnival that was passing through town.
Nearly 30 years later, in 1960, auburn received a wounded eagle from Dr. Dell Hill of Talladega, Alabama. An Auburn architecture student, Jon Bowden, cared for War Eagle III for a few months before eventually giving him away to another student, Elwyn Hamer. The eagle’s new caretaker was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and ever since, the brothers of that fraternity have taken care of Auburn’s eagles. Having the aviary, which houses the bird, named for him, would later honor Hamer.
During the week before Auburn’s game against Alabama in 1964, War Eagle III escaped and landed in a nearby backyard. The owner of the property shot and killed the eagle, claiming it was attacking his children. Auburn fans claimed the culprit was a jealous Alabama fan.
The following year, the City of Birmingham obtained an eagle from the Jackson, Miss. zoo and presented the eagle to Auburn. War Eagle IV soared 15 years for the Tigers which is the longest reign of any eagle to date.
The next eagle to spread his Auburn wings was War Eagle V, who joined the Auburn faithful on the Saturday before the 1980 Alabama football game. The eagle that they acquired from Land Between the Lakes, Ky., arrived just in time for coach Doug Barfield’s final game, and helped to usher in the Pat Dye coaching era.
The current mascot is War Eagle VI. Her seven-foot wingspan can be witnessed at Auburn athletic events and numerous public appearances. With talons that can squeeze down with a grip of 450 pounds per square inch, it’s too bad that Auburn coaches can’t line her up in the backfield. She’d never fumble the football, considering that Tiger running backs are lucky to squeeze 20 pounds per square inch with their grips.
Instead of dining on live animals, War Eagle VI consumes a diet composed of ground up meat, vegetables and vitamins. According to 1998 Tiger assistant trainer Aaron Wheeler, safety is the main concern when filling out Tiger’s menu.
“Tiger is not allowed to hunt because it would promote violent and aggressive behavior,” said Wheeler. “We don’t allow that because she’s so close to the public.”
AUBIE
Auburn ’s Eagle is not the school’s only mascot that has a soaring reputation. A costumed tiger named Aubie helps to cheer university teams to victory. Aubie has notched several impressive wins as well. The Universal Cheerleader Association elected him as the nation’s No. one college mascot several times in the 1990s.
Aubie’s existence began as a cartoon character that first appeared on the Auburn-Hardin Simmons football program cover in 1959. Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel, created the cartoon tiger that continued to grace Auburn football program covers for the next 18 years.
Aubie’s look has evolved through the years. In 1962, he began to stand upright, and the next year he dressed up for the first time, wearing a blue tie and a straw hat. Good fortune accompanied Aubie’s appearances on game programs for Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan’s squads. The Tigers won the first nine games he appeared on the cover, and in his first six years, Auburn was 23-2-1 at home. The Tiger’s home record during Aubie’s program cover 18 year span was 63-16-2. Despite these impressive numbers, they did not include Aubie’s name in the naming of Jordan-Hare Stadium.
They transformed Aubie in 1979 when he came to life in the form of a costumed character at the SEC Basketball Tournament.
A New York based costume company, Brooks-Van Horn, used two program covers from the early sixties as a reference for creating Aubie’s outfit. The firm, which also provided costumes for Walt Disney, designed and produced the tiger costume for $1,350.
“WAR EAGLE!”
To help symbolize the Auburn battle cry, “Warrrrrr Eagle!” the school has a Golden Eagle nicknamed “Tiger” as its official live mascot. Her official name is War Eagle VI and she continues a mascot legacy that few if any schools can match.
How the Eagle first soared into Auburn athletic history is a debated subject. Auburn athletic officials cannot authenticate the facts, but this is the legend’s most popular version.
The story begins with the struggles of an Auburn student who was wounded while fighting for the Confederate Army during the Civil War’s Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia. The soldier was left for dead as the two armies retreated after a vicious day of fighting. When he regained consciousness, the only form of life he found existing on the battlefield was a baby eagle. The Rebel soldier took the wounded bird and nursed him back to health. When he returned to the university after the war, the eagle came with him. The soldiers called his feathered partner War Eagle because of where it was found.
Nearly thirty years later the student had become an Auburn faculty member. He took the bird to the first Auburn-Georgia football game, an 1892 contest played in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. When Auburn scored the first touchdown, the aging eagle broke free from his old friend and began to soar above the field. When Auburn fans looked upward and saw the eagle they shouted “War Eagle!”
Auburn defeated Georgia on that day, but their fans were saddened when War Eagle died after giving his all for an Auburn victory. However, the eagle’s spirit stills soars today when Auburn faithful stand and shout, “War Eagle!” after a victory.

Their Fight Song: “YEA ALABAMA”

Due to Alabama’s national prominence, the song “Yea Alabama” has hit a high note on many occasions. Played in earnest after an Alabama score, the first two stanzas of the song shed light on what the Crimson Tide nickname stands for while singling out two traditional opponents.

“Yea, Alabama, drown ‘em Tide!

Ev’ry Bama man’s behind you,

Hit your stride!

Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,

Send those Yellowjackets

to a watery grave.”

Alabama ’s Nickname: Crimson Tide

College football fans from coast to coast are aware of the Crimson Tide’s legendary status as one of game’s elite programs through the years. But if you were to ask the average fan what exactly the Crimson Tide is or what it stands for, the varied replies might be endless. The question is even debated among Alabama historians.

The origins of the Crimson Tide first developed with Alabama’s first football teams. Dressed in crimson attire and described as malnourished, they were known as the Thin Red Line or the Crimsons.

Two former writers are credited with the name evolution to Crimson Tide. Hugh Roberts, the sports editor for the Birmingham Age-Herald is said to have first used the nickname when he described Alabama’s efforts in a muddy 6-6 tie against Auburn in 1907.

During a World War I experience, Zipp Newman noted how the “tide incessantly pounded on the seashore”; When he returned to cover Alabama Football he made the comparison of how the team was a “Crimson Tide” that continue to pound on their opponents. It was this 1919 description that many say was the catalyst for the name’s popularity.

Alabama Football

January 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment

When it comes to college football, there are few names that rival the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Alabama, or just plain ‘Bama as it’s known affectionately by its millions of devoted fans, has been a college football power since the day they started playing, way back in 1892.  While there are many great teams in college football, not many can hold a candle to Alabama when it comes to exploits and accomplishments.  ‘Bama is truly one of the legendary teams in the nation, being the proud owner of 12 national championships, including six between 1960 and 1980.  Paul “Bear” Bryant, the beloved coach of the Crimson Tide for 25 years (1958-1982), is regarded by many college football fans and experts as the greatest coach in the history of the game, compiling an astonishing record of 232-46-9 in those 25 years.  Alabama has played in 53 bowl games, winning 30 of them, which is an NCAA record.  They’ve also won 10 or more games in a season 31 times, which is another college football record.  Ninety-one Alabama football players have been named All-Americans, many of them more than once.  The Crimson Tide plays football in one of the oldest stadiums in the country, Bryant-Denny stadium, which opened in 1929.  Back then, it seated around twelve thousand spectators, but it has been enlarged many times since, and currently can hold over 92,000, making it one of the biggest college football stadiums in the country.   Alabama has a long and storied rivalry with another team in their state, Auburn.  The Auburn vs. Alabama competition is strong and deep, with virtually every citizen of the state of Alabama cheering on one, and rooting against the other.  Every year the two teams play each other in the Iron Bowl, one of college football’s longest traditions.  It’s named after the city of Birmingham, which at one time was a big producer of steel and iron, and where many of the Auburn-Alabama annual face-offs were played.  The two teams have met 71 times, and ‘Bama’s Crimson Tide currently leads the series, 38-32, with one tie.  For lovers of college football, it doesn’t get any better than the team that Bear Bryant built, the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Roll Tide!

Arkansas Razorbacks

The Arkansas Razorback is the official mascot of the University of Arkansas.  The “Hogs” represent all of the college sports teams at the university.  The teams of the University of Arkansas are the only sports teams that have a pig as their mascot in the United States.  The mascot generally refers to the football team and the other male sports at the University of Arkansas.  The ladies are affectionately known as the “Ladybacks.”

The University of Arkansas has a strong tradition and their teams have been very successful on the field and on the court. Get all of your great “Hog” gear at SportsFanTreasures.com and proudly support your University of Arkansas Razorbacks.  From home décor to Razorback tailgating equipment you will be able to show your pride.  Find Razorback rugs, clocks, gym bags and apparel at SportsFanTreasures.com.

Auburn University

Auburn University is consistently one of the most successful NCAA Division 1-A teams in the last fifty years of college football history.  The Auburn Tigers have had 75 winning seasons, 32 bowl appearances, 11 undefeated seasons and ten conference champions all as of 2005.  Auburn has seen many successful college players become successful National Football League players as well.  The Heisman Trophy also has roots in Aubur, as John Heisman coached the team.  Auburn is the only school to produce a Heisman trophy winner where he coached, these included Pat Sullivan in 1971 and Bo Jackson in 1985.

Show your Auburn Tiger pride by visiting SportsFanTreasures.com.  You will find great Auburn tailgating equipment that shows your pride at every game you go to.  There is also great apparel including boys and girls swim suits, golf sets and home and office décor.

Clemson University

The Clemson Tigers have a long tradition of excellence in all of their athletic teams.  The Clemson Tigers football team often receives the most attention with their 13 conference championships and 3 Southern Conference titles.  The teams has also participated and won 15 of their 28 bowl games.  The 1981 Clemson Tigers brought home their first National Championship title after defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Orange Bowl.  Clemson has also been the home of the famous John Heisman, Jess Neely, Frank Howard, Danny Ford and Tommy Bowden.  The team is known for their unique tradition of rubbing “Howard’s Rock” before every game.

Show your Clemson Tiger spirit by decorating your home in all the best in Tiger gear.  Great buys such as the Clemson Garden Stone and Clemson Welcome Plaque will show your pride before your company even gets through your front door. Kids can show their spirit as well with the Clemson Cheer Suit, Polo Shirt and T-shirts.  Mom and dad also have great options for Clemson apparel.

Iowa

The University of Iowa has a long tradition of great Iowa Hawkeye fans.  The university’s collegiate teams have been very successful in all of their athletic fields.  The Iowa Hawkeyes football team has won 11 Big Ten titiles, 21 bowl games, 8 Big Ten MVP’s, and 1 Heisman Trophy winner.  The Hawkeyes have been very successful on the court as well with 8 Big Ten titles, 2 Big Ten Tournament titles, 22 NCAA Tournament appearnances, and 3 Final Fours.  Wrestling at Iowa has seen success with 31 Big Ten titles, 180 Individual Big Ten titles and Individual NCAA titles, 58 NCAA appearances and 20 NCAA titles.  Baseball has seen 7 Big Ten titles, 3 NCAA tournament appearances and 1 College World Series Appearance.

Celebrate these great athletics and great Iowa Hawkeys by showing your pride every day of the week.  The Iowa Steel Competitor Watch will keep you on time and remind people what team you are a fan of. Tailgating will be a blast with your new Iowa 12 pack cooler and tailgating chair, all from SportsFanTreasures.com.

LSU

Louisiana State University has produced numerous successful National Football League players.  Many successful college players have gone on to play in the NFL, joining many successful teams. LSU offers over 20 varsity sports with football being the most popular.  The football program at LSU has been one of the most successful programs since 1893.  LSU has officially claimed two National Championships, one in 1958 and one in 2003.  The school has been recognized by different polling organization as national champions on four different additional occasions.  The school has also had 12 Conference Championships and 5 SEC Western Division Championships.

SportsFanTreasures.com makes showing your LSU Tiger pride easy.  Decorate your home at the holidays with great LSU holiday items including the Rooftop Santa sporting his yellow and purple. Celebrate the Final Four and March Madness with great LSU T-shirts and decorate your home with great LSU insignia items.

Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are comprised of 25 different varsity sports including ice hockey.  The University of Michigan has finished in the top five of the NACDA Director’s Cup in 7 of the past 10 years.  The Wolverines remain the only school to win at least one national championship in four different sports.  The have 2 baseball national championships, 1 men’s basketball championship, 11 football championships, and 9 ice hockey championships. Michigan is considered one of the most successful in college football history and has won 855 games through the sixth week of the 2006 season.

Show your Wolverine pride with Wolverine window screens for your vehicle, Michigan Mailwraps, and more home décor items from SportsFanTreasures.com.

Texas A&M University

Aggie fans remain loyal to Texas A&M University.  The Texas A&M University football program has earned 92 Southwest Conference regular season and tournament titles as well as 21 Big 12 regular season and tournament titles.  The Aggies have also been the recipients of 5 National Championships.  The Aggies have been playing football for 112 years as of the 2006 season.  Texas A&M Basketball has earned 11 Conference Championships, 2 Conference Tournament Titles and has had 7 NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Show your Aggie Pride with great Texas A&M home décor including Texas A&M flags, lamps clocks and more.  SportsFanTreasures.com also has great tailgating gear including the Texas A&M Tailgate Platter, tailgating chairs, coolers, trashcan coolers and tents.

Go ahead Florida Gators way to represent the SEC. Can you beleive how the SEC dominated the bowl seen. The really unbeleivable part is that they had to play each other all year and then still did so good. I would love to see the SEC cut down on the number of in conference games they have to play so that they could do as well as the teams in the rest of the country. I really beleive if Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Notre Dame played in the SEC they would not rate near as high every year as they do.

I guess it is good for the rest of the country that it works like it does. If the speed and strenth of the SEC was released more regular on the rest of the country it probably would not give the other schools a chance.

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