Chief Osceola and Renegade
Chief Osceola and Renegade serve as the symbols of the Florida State University Seminoles, most notably the athletics teams.
Considered to be one of the most exciting traditions in all of college sports, during home football games at Florida State, Chief Osceola, portraying the famous Seminole Indian leader, Osceola, charges down the field at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium riding an apaloosa horse named Renegade, named for the unconquered renegade spirit of the Seminole people, and hurls a burning spear at midfield to begin every home game. Once every two years, when the University of Florida plays at Florida State, Chief Osceola jumps off the horse before hurling the spear.
The original idea for Chief Osceola and Renegade was envisioned by Bill Durham, a Florida State sophomore, in 1962. His idea went nowhere until 1977 when the football team's head coach, Bobby Bowden, heard of the idea.
Durham gained the approval of the Seminole tribe of Florida and at the opening football game in 1978, against Oklahoma State University, Chief Osceola and Renegade made their first appearance. The original Renegade was donated by Tallahassee, Florida veterinarian Dr. Jerry Deloney, and since then the horses and riders have been trained by local Tallahassee businessman Bill Durham and his sons who have completely funded the tradition.
Despite the objection of certain Native Americans throughout the United States, Florida State and the Seminoles of Florida maintain a close relationship, with the Tribe resolving to allow the university to continue to use its name as a symbol of the school. The authentic regalia worn by Chief Osceola and Renegade is designed by women of the Seminole tribe each year.
[edit] Chief Osceola through the Years
- Jim Kidder
- David Mays
- David Williams
- Jeff Ericson
- Greg Ericson
- Jim Fairfield
- Tom Sawyer
- Allen Durham
- Andy Taylor
- Jason Mork
- Daniel Kennerly
- Lincoln Golike
- Daniel Kennerly
