FSU Seminole History

The garnet and gold colors of the Seminole jersey were first worn on October 18, 1947, in a game lost to Stetson University. Several traditions evolved over the next few decades, which are still practiced to this day. The war chant has some controversy over how it got started. Some say it first spurred from a contest in 1984 involving the Auburn Tigers. Others say it started with the popular Seminole cheer of the 1960's called "massacre." Members of the Marching Chiefs chanted its melody, and others caught on quick, so it was the first stage of the current popular Seminole chant. It was basically the long version of FSU's current "war chant".

The Florida State University's team is probably most known for its spectacular tradition of a rendition of Chief Osceola, and his horse, Renegade, charging out onto the field, and thrusting a flaming spear into the ground during the opening of a home game. The idea came from a sophomore of the 1962 Homecoming Committee, Bill Durham, and finally got support in 1977 after Bobby Bowden became the head coach of the Seminole football team.

Click here to listen to the FSU Fight Song.