Missouri's Truman Tiger Mascot
is easy to find since he's a regular at hundreds
of Mizzou functions across the state.
University Nickname: Tigers
The origins of Missouri's nickname dates to the Civil War period, when the state's citizens took action to fend off attacks on their towns. Pillaging guerrilla bands were systematically raiding small towns and Columbia residents were under the constant fear of attack. In response to the terror community vigilante groups were formed for protection.
The spirited cohesiveness of the town's people paid off when word spread that the disreputable Bill Anderson and his guerrilla band had their eye on sacking Columbia. An armed band of citizens quickly formed, built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse in the town's center. The strength of the group called the "Missouri Tigers" made such an impression that Anderson's gang bypassed Columbia. When Missouri began playing football in 1890, the athletic committee adopted the "Tiger" nickname in official recognition of the town's defenders.
The origins of Missouri's nickname dates to the Civil War period, when the state's citizens took action to fend off attacks on their towns. Pillaging guerrilla bands were systematically raiding small towns and Columbia residents were under the constant fear of attack. In response to the terror community vigilante groups were formed for protection.
The spirited cohesiveness of the town's people paid off when word spread that the disreputable Bill Anderson and his guerrilla band had their eye on sacking Columbia. An armed band of citizens quickly formed, built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse in the town's center. The strength of the group called the "Missouri Tigers" made such an impression that Anderson's gang bypassed Columbia. When Missouri began playing football in 1890, the athletic committee adopted the "Tiger" nickname in official recognition of the town's defenders.
Chase Daniel threw for 4,306 yards
and 33 TD's in 2007 while leading the
Tigers to a 12-2 season.
Much like the University's "Tiger" nickname, the name of Missouri's mascot also adds a historical perspective. Truman the Tiger is named for Missouri-bred President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.
The costumed mascot is a regular at the school's football and
basketball games, and his appearance at schools, hospitals,
county fairs and other events makes fans 'roar' with delight.
Truman makes a 'six-alarm' entrance into the football stadium on gamedays when he arrives on a fire truck with sirens blaring. Â The 1950s-vintage Boone County fire truck known as "Truman's Taxi" sports Mizzou Black and Gold colors and flies several Missouri flags.
Truman has also been recognized as one of the nation's best mascots. The talented Tiger actors that are introduced as "Truman" during Senior Night festivities have helped the mascot to be recognized as the "Best mascot in the nation" several times.
Truman makes a 'six-alarm' entrance into the football stadium on gamedays when he arrives on a fire truck with sirens blaring. Â The 1950s-vintage Boone County fire truck known as "Truman's Taxi" sports Mizzou Black and Gold colors and flies several Missouri flags.
Truman has also been recognized as one of the nation's best mascots. The talented Tiger actors that are introduced as "Truman" during Senior Night festivities have helped the mascot to be recognized as the "Best mascot in the nation" several times.
Missouri's Rock Solid "M" Tradition
A giant "M" made of whitewashed stones serves
as 'rock solid' symbol of Tiger pride. The landmark
guards the football stadium's north end zone and
makes quite an impression with its 90-foot wide
and 95-foot high measurements.
The tremendous task of putting the letter in place was performed by the freshmen class of 1927. The University's yearbook, "The Savitar," reflected on the debut of the Mizzou symbol on Oct. 1, 1927 when it was in place for Missouri's 13-6 win over Kansas.
"Five-hundred freshmen joined hands and encircled the cinder track in a single line while the band played 'Old Missouri' in the center of the field. The pennants of all the Missouri Valley fluttered and danced above the stadium on the long line at the open end of the gridiron. A stone M--the work of the Frosh the night before--loomed up white and threatening against the embankment."
Mizzou's Farout Field
The stone M is this stadium's top landmark in the stadium that
built in 1926. The Tigers venue has a capacity of 71,004,
although that limit has been exceeded several times.
The tremendous task of putting the letter in place was performed by the freshmen class of 1927. The University's yearbook, "The Savitar," reflected on the debut of the Mizzou symbol on Oct. 1, 1927 when it was in place for Missouri's 13-6 win over Kansas.
"Five-hundred freshmen joined hands and encircled the cinder track in a single line while the band played 'Old Missouri' in the center of the field. The pennants of all the Missouri Valley fluttered and danced above the stadium on the long line at the open end of the gridiron. A stone M--the work of the Frosh the night before--loomed up white and threatening against the embankment."
A revision was made to the "M" the night before a scheduled football game against Nebraska in the 1950s that
caused a 'moving' and frantic response. A group of pranksters had changed the letter to an "N," but with the
combined efforts of school grounds keepers and a group of boys, the "M" was restored before kickoff.
MIZZOU PIONEER IN ARTIFICIAL PLAYING SURFACES
Although the artificial turf that was installed in 1985 on what is now, Faurot Field has been replaced, the fields first
artificial surface made its debut in 1926. Construction of the sunken stadium was delayed by the heaviest
September rainfall in 35 years. By the time that the home opener against Tulane arrived there was no grass surface
prepared for the teams to play on. Bad weather wreaked havoc the day of the game as well, drenching the 10,000
fans who showed up for Memorial stadium's opening ceremonies.
"Without sod, sawdust and tanbark were spread on the field as an alternative, and the Tigers and the Green Wave played to a scoreless, mudpie tie," Bob Broeg wrote in his two historical books on Missouri football.
TIGER TROPHY GAMES
INDIAN WAR DRUM
This trophy game was conceived in 1935 by a couple of Missouri alumni. The original purpose of this trophy was to stimulate dwindling interest in the Missouri-Kansas game that had faded during the great depression of the 1930s. The game reflects the heritage of the Osage Indians, a tribe that once roamed the plains of the two states.
Speculation is that the original trophy, an authentic Indian drum, was purchased in a Kansas City pawn shop and
was later replaced by a new one in 1986. The Indian Drum is given to the winning school each year.
MISSOURI-NEBRASKA BELL
This tradition rang into existence in 1927 when Missouri officials suggested that a trophy should be presented to the winning school. The bell had an ominous beginning since it was originally stolen from a church in Seward, Neb. by two Nebraska fraternities. that shared the same house.
The first battles for the bell were between the two frats after they moved to separate living quarters. However, when the two universities needed a trophy to play for the bell was donated for the cause. Today the bell symbolizes the rivalry with its engraved "M" on one side and an "N" on the other.
TELEPHONE TROPHY
A surprising conversation that a Tiger assistant football coach heard on his headset prior to the 1959 Missouri-Iowa State game, keyed this trophy game. Because the wires were crossed in the press box, he was able to tune into pregame discussions held by the Cyclone coaching staff Mizzou won the game that was played in Ames, 14-0. Northwestern Bell donated the trophy that features an old-style phone mounted on a pedestal. The Telephone Trophy is presented to the team that makes the 'right calls' and wins the game.
THE TIGER-SOONER PEACE PIPE
The smoking of an old pipe during the 1929 Missouri-Oklahoma game initiated the tradition of this trophy game. Not only does the peace pipe go home with the winning school, but it also blows smoke during halftime ceremonies as representatives from both schools participate in the smoking ritual. The peace pipe was donated by former Missouri student body president, R. L. Hill.
University of Missouri Fight Song: Fight, Tiger
Often the songs Every True Son, Mizzou Cheer and Fight Tiger are all played in a row.
University Colors: Black and MU Gold
Although early historical references indicate that Missouri athletic teams once donned crimson and gold as its school colors, black and gold are the colors that have roared the loudest. Â The black and gold colors were selected to match the university's Tiger tradition.
The Missouri "Golden
Girls" add lots of
cheer to Missouri
Tigers Football
"Without sod, sawdust and tanbark were spread on the field as an alternative, and the Tigers and the Green Wave played to a scoreless, mudpie tie," Bob Broeg wrote in his two historical books on Missouri football.
TIGER TROPHY GAMES
INDIAN WAR DRUM
This trophy game was conceived in 1935 by a couple of Missouri alumni. The original purpose of this trophy was to stimulate dwindling interest in the Missouri-Kansas game that had faded during the great depression of the 1930s. The game reflects the heritage of the Osage Indians, a tribe that once roamed the plains of the two states.
Speculation is that the original trophy, an authentic Indian drum, was purchased in a Kansas City pawn shop and
was later replaced by a new one in 1986. The Indian Drum is given to the winning school each year.MISSOURI-NEBRASKA BELL
This tradition rang into existence in 1927 when Missouri officials suggested that a trophy should be presented to the winning school. The bell had an ominous beginning since it was originally stolen from a church in Seward, Neb. by two Nebraska fraternities. that shared the same house.
The first battles for the bell were between the two frats after they moved to separate living quarters. However, when the two universities needed a trophy to play for the bell was donated for the cause. Today the bell symbolizes the rivalry with its engraved "M" on one side and an "N" on the other.
TELEPHONE TROPHY
A surprising conversation that a Tiger assistant football coach heard on his headset prior to the 1959 Missouri-Iowa State game, keyed this trophy game. Because the wires were crossed in the press box, he was able to tune into pregame discussions held by the Cyclone coaching staff Mizzou won the game that was played in Ames, 14-0. Northwestern Bell donated the trophy that features an old-style phone mounted on a pedestal. The Telephone Trophy is presented to the team that makes the 'right calls' and wins the game.
THE TIGER-SOONER PEACE PIPE
The smoking of an old pipe during the 1929 Missouri-Oklahoma game initiated the tradition of this trophy game. Not only does the peace pipe go home with the winning school, but it also blows smoke during halftime ceremonies as representatives from both schools participate in the smoking ritual. The peace pipe was donated by former Missouri student body president, R. L. Hill.
University of Missouri Fight Song: Fight, Tiger
Often the songs Every True Son, Mizzou Cheer and Fight Tiger are all played in a row.
University Colors: Black and MU Gold
Although early historical references indicate that Missouri athletic teams once donned crimson and gold as its school colors, black and gold are the colors that have roared the loudest. Â The black and gold colors were selected to match the university's Tiger tradition.
University of Missouri
Heisman Trophy History
Mizzou is one of the top college football programs that has not produced a Heisman winner.
These Tigers finished in the top 4:
Mizzou is one of the top college football programs that has not produced a Heisman winner.
These Tigers finished in the top 4:
Paul Christman 4th in 1939
Chase Daniel 4th in 2007
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