Southern Miss Golden Eagles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The University of Southern Mississippi enjoys a rich athletic history and the traditions that have helped create that history are as important, if not more important, in today’s modern world than they were in the eras in which they were being developed. They continue to afford Golden Eagle fans a rich heritage that encourages bold actions today and bright dreams of tomorrow.
That history includes winning traditions in all the sports the University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors. Bowl games, conference championships, All-American athletes, and matching athletic and academic process are far more the norm than the expectation.
Golden Eagle fans can quickly boast of the internationally renowned Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, founded as a 20-piece brass ensemble in 1920, and the equally famous Dixie Darlings, created in the early 1950’s. Both groups have, since their inception, represented the spirit and tradition of Southern Miss athletics.
The school’s earliest nickname was Tigers. Thereafter came such nicknames as Normalites (from Mississippi Normal College, the early name of the University), Yellow Jackets, Confederates, and Southerners. Golden Eagles was selected in a student/alumni vote in the early 1970s. Seymour d'Campus, the name of the modern-day mascot eagle, continues to thrill young and not-so-young Golden Eagle fans alike.
Eagle Fever, Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime. and Go Gold! are the rallying cries that Golden Eagle students and fans have used to help create such traditions as Homecoming and EagleFest, tailgating in The District, Friday Night at the Fountain pep rallies, the Eagle Walk at The Rock, the game-day Eagle Walk parade, the Painting of the Eagle Walk, the Junior Eagle Club Tunnel, the band’s Fifth Quarter Concert, featuring a hallmark rendition of Amazing Grace, and a host of other events help fans savor a near-century-long tradition of progress and growth with the certain knowledge that the best years are yet to come.
