The University of Missouri’s black and old gold athletic uniforms are some of the most vibrant and recognizable in college sports.
Missouri’s “Tigers” nickname carries a history as vivid and powerful as the mascot’s black and old gold stripes. This tradition traces back to the Civil War era, where the foundation of Mizzou’s strong sense of pride was established, representing the honor those from the state of Missouri have displayed.
The nickname goes beyond the strong and fierce mentality of the “Tiger” itself and stems from local militias that protected local Columbia, Mo., communities.
But what is the history of Missouri and the Tigers’ nickname and mascot?
Who (or What) Is the Missouri Tigers Mascot?
Truman the Tiger is the University of Missouri’s official mascot. The history of the Tiger mascot in Missouri and how it received its name carries a long and winding story, with the Tiger mascot always at the forefront.
MU’s tradition of student-portrayed tiger mascots began in the 1940s, with members of the Tiger Claws pep squad taking on the roles. The early costumes were simple, featuring a yellow cloth body with painted stripes and a papier-mâché head. At that time, there were two mascots: a female tiger called “Lil Tiger” and a male tiger known as “Big Tiger.”
In 1981, the two mascots merged into a single unisex tiger. However, the newly designed mascot remained nameless for three years until 1984, when Mizzou cheerleaders held a “Name the Tiger” contest to raise funds for a carrying case for the mascot uniform.
The mascot was named “Truman the Tiger” in 1984 after a student suggested the name in honor of President Harry S. Truman, who was born in Missouri. The name became official on Sept. 12, 1986, though the Bengal tiger has been Missouri’s mascot since the 1890s. Truman has been honored as the nation’s top mascot several times, most recently in 2024.
Truman is beloved by Mizzou fans for his iconic “tail-spin” during the “Missouri Waltz,” performing push-ups with the ROTC after the Tigers score a touchdown, and arriving at home football games on “Truman’s Taxi,” a gold-and-black 1950s Boone County fire truck adorned with Missouri flags.
Why Is Missouri the Tigers?
During the Civil War, fearing raids by Confederate guerrilla bands, the citizens of Columbia formed a militia unit called the “Missouri Tigers” to defend their town. These courageous volunteers embodied bravery and resilience, which resonated with the university’s athletic program, specifically the Missouri football team.
In 1890, as the first Mizzou football team was established, the athletic committee honored these local heroes by adopting “Tigers” as the official team nickname.
Today, the spirit of those wartime defenders lives on in MU’s mascot, symbolizing the legacy of the community’s protectors.