Sebastian the Ibis
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| Sebastian the Ibis | |
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| University | University of Miami |
|---|---|
| Conference | ACC |
| Description | Anthropomorphic ibis |
| Origin of name | San Sebastian Hall |
| First seen | 1957 |
| Official website | Sebastian the Ibis |
Sebastian the Ibis is the official mascot for the University of Miami. He is an anthropomorphized ibis with a Hurricanes football jersey, jersey number 00.
[edit] History
The ibis was chosen as Miami's unofficial mascot in 1926 when the school's yearbook chose its name to be "The Ibis."[citation needed]
"Miami adopted a native marsh bird called the Ibis as the official mascot in 1926. The Ibis is known for it's bravery as a hurricane approaches. Folklore maintains that other birds look to the Ibis for leadership. The Ibis uses its instinct to detect danger. It is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, giving warning that danger is imminent. As the storm passes the Ibis is the first to reappear, a sign that clear skies are approaching"[1]
The first official mascot for the Miami Hurricanes was a 65-pound brown and white boxer named Hurricane I. Chosen in 1950, the canine wore a ceremonial orange and green blanket with his name lettered in white. [2]
Sebastian was created in August, 1957 and was used as a homecoming competition entry. The next year, student John Stormont performed at Hurricanes football games dressed up in a makeshift ibis costume.The current costume dates from the 1980s.
The mascot was named after the San Sebastian building, which became a University dormitory in 1939. The building, now an apartment building, still stands at the intersection of LeJeune Road and University Drive in Coral Gables.
Sebastian typically leads the University of Miami team on to the field at Miami's Orange Bowl. Miami's dramatic entrance at the Orange Bowl, in which the Hurricanes charge onto the field through a billowing cloud of white smoke led by Sebastian, is considered one of the most recognizable traditions in American college football.[citation needed]
[edit] External links
- Sebastian the Ibis Official Web Site, University of Miami athletics web site.
[edit] References
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