The University of Southern Mississippi’s athletic identity has undergone many changes. From the early days of the Tigers to the iconic Golden Eagles and their beloved mascot Seymour d’Campus, this program’s mascot history is all about adapting to the new and remaining persistent in its roots’ values. This journey, rooted in tradition and reinvention, captivates fans at M.M. Roberts Stadium and beyond.
What Is The Story Behind Southern Miss’s Mascots?
Tigers, Normalites, and Yellow Jackets
Southern Miss athletics began with the nickname Tigers after being founded in 1910. Early squads were also called Normalites, reflecting the institution’s original name. In 1924, the teams adopted the Yellow Jackets title. These early identities, while spirited, lacked the charm and punch to last the decades.
The Confederate Era and Southerners
When the school became Mississippi Southern College in 1940, a new nickname was deemed necessary. The student body voted for Confederates, a name used during the 1940–41 academic year. By September 1941, amid shifting sentiments, the name was changed to Southerners, aiming for a broader regional identity.
In 1953, the Southerners embraced General Nat, a mascot inspired by Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest. Student Archie Hughes portrayed General Nat alongside a horse named Son of Dixie. While this mascot reflected the era’s cultural context, its historical associations later sparked controversies.
The Birth of the Golden Eagles
By 1972, the university sought a fresh identity to unify its community. An ad hoc committee, appointed by the Alumni Association, invited submissions from alumni, faculty, students, and staff. After reviewing 400 suggestions, including Raiders, War Lords, Timber Wolves, and retaining Southerners, the committee finally made up their minds and decided to go with Golden Eagles.
The name had all the qualities to be a timeless moniker for the team. “The eagle represents power and grace,” noted a 1972 Student Printz editorial, giving context behind the choice of the name.
How Was Seymour D’campus Created?
With the Golden Eagles’ name came a new mascot: Seymour, a student in a Golden Eagle costume. Introduced in 1972, Seymour became a fixture at athletic events. In the mid-1980s, Seymour was officially named Seymour d’Campus, a pun inspired by the 1984 World’s Fair mascot, Seymour d’Fair, portrayed by former Southern Miss mascot Jeff Davis ’83.
Seymour has since competed in Universal Cheerleaders Association mascot competitions, earning a top-10 ranking in 2008 and a spot on the Capital One All-American Mascot Team.
Nugget and Nugget II
In 1980, Southern Miss introduced a live Golden Eagle mascot, Nugget, gifted by Auburn University. Housed in an aviary near M.M. Roberts Stadium, Nugget brought a new dimension to game days. However, by 1985, Nugget’s aggressive behavior as a mature male led to his relocation to a breeding program in St. Louis.
In 1987, Nugget II arrived, but tragically, in December 1992, the eagle was found dead. An autopsy revealed malnutrition and lead shotgun pellets, though the exact cause of death remained inconclusive.
KEEP READING: Indiana Hoosiers Mascot History
The incident, investigated under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, led to a $2,000 settlement and the loss of Southern Miss’s permit to house live eagles, ending the program’s live mascot era.
The evolution of Southern Miss’s mascot is a testament to a program unafraid to adapt while honoring its roots. Each change has mirrored the university’s growth and commitment to inclusivity from Tigers to Golden Eagles. As Seymour d’Campus continues to soar, the Golden Eagles are all set to carry their legacy forward.
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