Orange Spirit Introduction
Cheerleaders, bands, and mascots have long been embodiments of Orange spirit, encouraging us to holler enthusiastically for athletic teams, wear orange with pride, sing songs, and chant cheers. By creating collective memories for students and alumni, these traditions connect them with the past, present, and future.Cheerleaders
The first cheerleaders at Syracuse University, documented around the turn of the 20th century, were male students. The first female cheerleader appeared in 1919. At football games in Archbold Stadium, seating as well as cheering was once gender-segregated, a tradition that lasted until after World War II.
Photograph of cheerleaders, circa 1922-1923. Cornelius Rademaker Papers, University Archives. Gift of Elizabeth Rademaker Meyer.
Cheerleading sweater, circa 1945. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives.
Yearbook photograph of cheerleaders, circa 1961-1962. Syracuse University Yearbook Collection, University Archives.
Cheerleading megaphone, circa 1960s. John F. and Pamela B. Baumgartner Luchsinger Memorabilia, University Archives. Gift of John F. and Pamela B. Baumgartner Luchsinger.
Photograph of cheerleaders in a pyramid, 1981. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of cheerleader running with flag, circa 1990s. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Otto the Orange
Syracuse University’s earliest documented mascot was Vita the Goat, a live goat that made appearances at football games in Archbold Stadium in the 1920s. A Native American figure called the Saltine Warrior then became the athletic mascot for several decades. He first appeared in a 1931 student publication as a hoax about the supposed remains of an Onondagan chief found during excavations on campus. After a Native American student organization protested the use of the Saltine Warrior, Syracuse University removed it as the official mascot in 1978. A series of unofficial mascots appeared in the years following, among them an orange who became increasingly popular. The cheerleaders named him Otto in 1990. In 1995 a University committee appointed to choose an official mascot selected a wolf. However, in the face of student protests and popular opinion, Chancellor Shaw made Otto the official mascot.
Photograph of the orange mascot, later known as Otto, 1982. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of Otto at a “Save Otto” rally, 1995. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of Otto and Engineering and Computer Science Scholars, 2018. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.
Marching Band
Known as The Pride of the Orange, Syracuse University’s marching band is one of two athletic bands. It traces its roots to the first University Band, which was formed in 1901 with 23 members and made its first football game appearance that fall. In 1944, the first majorettes joined the band. Except to fill a shortage of male students during World War II, women were not allowed to play in the marching band until 1966.
Photograph of Syracuse University Band, 1928. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of majorette Dottie Grover and marching band members, 1953. Syracuse University Portrait Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of marching band and majorette on the field in Archbold Stadium, 1955. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Marching band hat, circa 1980s. Syracuse University Memorabilia Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of marching band, 1989. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Drum major uniform, circa 1990s-early 2000s. Syracuse University Marching Band Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of marching band at Orange Central tailgate, 2018. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.
Spectators and Fans
Spectators at Syracuse University athletic games have also passed down traditions of spirit and enthusiasm. Throughout the University’s history, crowds of students have chanted cheers and sung fight songs. First-year students would coordinate raising colored placards to create large-scale words and designs from the stands. Today Otto’s Army represents student fans. Established in 2006, they carry on traditions of cheering and singing and have started their own traditions, such as camping outside the Carrier Dome and organizing viewing parties for away games.
Photograph of female fans at a football game, circa 1930s-1940s. Syracuse University Photograph Collection, University Archives.
Photograph of members of Otto’s Army, 2013. Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives. Photograph by Stephen Sartori.