The FSU Spear: Honor & the Unconquered
Florida State University's (FSU) Seminoles have been a prominent name in college sports and academics since the university's founding in the 1850s. But did you know they didn’t actually become the "Seminoles" until 1947? That was the year FSU officially became co-ed, and students voted for their new mascot – the Seminole.
Sep 15, 2025
Florida State University's (FSU) Seminoles have been a prominent name in college sports and academics since the university's founding in the 1850s. But did you know they didn’t actually become the "Seminoles" until 1947? That was the year FSU officially became co-ed, and students voted for their new mascot – the Seminole.
A Little History
The Seminole Tribe of Florida refer to themselves as the "Unconquered People." The current population descends from the original 300 members who evaded U.S. Army capture in the 19th century. This was the spirit that inspired FSU students.
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FSU graduate Stephen Reilly was also inspired by this same spirit when he left the 1993 Notre Dame vs. FSU game in Indiana. He watched as the Fighting Irish danced, sang, and gave an all-out performance right on the field. This type of spectacle was something FSU school spirit was lacking. He returned to Florida with the goal of creating a permanent symbol of Seminole pride that would not only highlight FSU’s incredible talents and spirit, but also serve as a reminder of the history behind the Seminole.
At the time, FSU President D’Alemberte gave Reilly his blessing to form a committee to make the statue happen. He presented his idea to the late George Langford, a longtime FSU booster, who immediately approved the plan with a budget of $1 million. The committee then began searching for an architect/artist who could do the statue justice. After much deliberation, they chose Fritz White – a veteran, Ohio native, and sculptor specializing in bronze figures in motion (often natives and cowboys).
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The "Unconquered" statue, designed by Fritz White, was unveiled on October 10, 2003, at the south entrance of Doak S. Campbell Stadium. It stands 31 feet high and is made of bronze and granite.
The Spirit of Tradition
Before the "Unconquered" statue came to be, there was Osceola and Renegade. Since 1978, at the start of every home football game, an FSU student dressed as Osceola (a historic Seminole leader) rides an Appaloosa horse named Renegade onto the field while holding a flaming spear. He rides to center field and plants the spear in the ground. This tradition actually inspired the design of the "Unconquered" statue!
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Since the statue’s unveiling, Osceola and Renegade have remained a major tradition for all FSU students and Seminole fans alike. A new tradition has also emerged: At sunset the night before each home game, the spear held by the Seminole depicted in the "Unconquered" statue is ignited and burns until sunrise on the morning after the game.
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These traditions are not just a show of school spirit – they are an homage to the Seminole tribe and the undefeatable human spirit.
A Relationship of Honor and Respect
All Seminole-related imagery, architecture, depictions, and traditions at FSU are approved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure an accurate and respectful representation. This includes everything from the "Unconquered" statue itself to the attire worn by the student portraying Osceola on Game Day. This close relationship is vital to the honorable representation of the Seminole Tribe and the mutual respect between them and the university.
The FSU Spear
It’s pretty hard to take a mini "Unconquered" statue with you everywhere. That’s why we worked with an architect to create the FSU Spear – a beautiful, wearable version of the flaming spear held by the Seminole in the statue, and iconically carried by Osceola on Game Day.
It’s the perfect way to take a piece of FSU with you no matter where you go.
