TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – College football fans across the country know all about Florida State’s pregame tradition – Chief Osceola rides his horse, Renegade, out to midfield and plants a flaming spear onto the field just moments before kickoff.
Now, FSU is bringing back an old friend, Cimarron, a horse that looks like a cartoon character. And that was the goal, as it was designed by Scollon Productions, which has created concepts for Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and a variety of sports teams.
The concept of this horse, of course, is to promote FSU athletics in the community, be a cheerleader at games and also boost FSU’s Kid’s Club.
Florida State also plans to sell merchandise with Cimarron’s likeness.
“Osceola and Renegade are revered and honored symbols of Florida State athletics as has been recognized by their recent selection as the best tradition in all of college football,” said FSU assistant athletic director of marketing and promotions Jason Dennard. “We treat our symbol with great honor and respect and they appear only at football games, Homecoming and Fan Day.
“Cimarron has been revived to give a promotional presence at other designated events. It also allows us to participate in some opportunities that were not appropriate for the distinguished symbol of Osceola and Renegade.”
Florida State opens the 2012 season on Sept. 1 vs. Murray State.
