Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFlorida State has used the Seminole nickname with the tribe's consent since 1947
By Anthony Mague
Posted: 10/8/04, 2:03 PM EST Section: Sports
Back in the 1800s, it's safe to say, not too many members of the Seminole tribe knew how to run a post pattern.
Probably not too many current Seminoles - those whose butts fill the stands - know why Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden says "Daggumbit" so much.
But it is safe to say the Seminole tribe of Florida is owed many thanks, not only from Florida State administration, but from college sports fans worldwide. The Seminole tribe has not only allowed FSU to continue school traditions, but it's encouraged the traditions.
In an age of political correctness, the Seminole tribe of Florida has allowed FSU to use Seminoles as its nickname since 1947. At each home football game, the tribe allows FSU to dress a person in full Seminole warrior attire, ride out onto the field on a horse and hurl a flaming spear at midfield - a tradition started in 1978.
Finally, there's Florida State's widely known war chant. A stadium full of FSU fans sing in chorus, while adding a forward hand motion that symbolizes the brandishing of a tomahawk. Yikes. If that isn't a tomahawk chop at political correctness, what is?
The Seminole tribe said in a statement it doesn't consider the use of their tribal name or other FSU gameday traditions derogatory or insulting in any way. In fact, the tribe has even assisted in the process.
"(The Seminole tribe) helped design the costume of the person who rides out on the field at football games," FSU Director of Media Relations Browning Brooks said. "The FSU administration has a constant open dialogue with the tribe and for many years had a very close relationship. We want the tribe to help us with customs and traditions so that we get them right."
Each year at FSU's homecoming, representatives from the tribe and a Seminole princess dressed in traditional Seminole dress help crown the school's Homecoming King and Queen.
Browning said everything FSU does is with the Seminole tribe's blessing.
Probably not too many current Seminoles - those whose butts fill the stands - know why Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden says "Daggumbit" so much.
But it is safe to say the Seminole tribe of Florida is owed many thanks, not only from Florida State administration, but from college sports fans worldwide. The Seminole tribe has not only allowed FSU to continue school traditions, but it's encouraged the traditions.
In an age of political correctness, the Seminole tribe of Florida has allowed FSU to use Seminoles as its nickname since 1947. At each home football game, the tribe allows FSU to dress a person in full Seminole warrior attire, ride out onto the field on a horse and hurl a flaming spear at midfield - a tradition started in 1978.
Finally, there's Florida State's widely known war chant. A stadium full of FSU fans sing in chorus, while adding a forward hand motion that symbolizes the brandishing of a tomahawk. Yikes. If that isn't a tomahawk chop at political correctness, what is?
The Seminole tribe said in a statement it doesn't consider the use of their tribal name or other FSU gameday traditions derogatory or insulting in any way. In fact, the tribe has even assisted in the process.
"(The Seminole tribe) helped design the costume of the person who rides out on the field at football games," FSU Director of Media Relations Browning Brooks said. "The FSU administration has a constant open dialogue with the tribe and for many years had a very close relationship. We want the tribe to help us with customs and traditions so that we get them right."
Each year at FSU's homecoming, representatives from the tribe and a Seminole princess dressed in traditional Seminole dress help crown the school's Homecoming King and Queen.
Browning said everything FSU does is with the Seminole tribe's blessing.
