Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider Traditions
| The Mascot |
In Greek mythology, the winged horse possessed superior cunning and speed. The thundering horse of the gods was entrusted to carry awesome lightning bolts and could only be harnessed by a noble being with a pure heart. Character, talent, and strength were required to mount and ride the fabled winged horse.
Today, this winged horse is a fitting symbol of a university that has earned its wings and excels in many academic arenas, including historic preservation, teacher training, aerospace, political science, horse science, and recording industry. But the winged horse is more than a symbol of physical accomplishment; it’s also a symbol of character and the responsible wielding of power.
The challenge of all great universities and university athletic departments is to help student-athletes build character as well as strength. This winged horse, Lightning, is a symbol to Middle Tennessee students, athletes, and alumni of the soaring school spirit they experience at sporting events.
For its nobility and character, the winged horse was immortalized in the stars. Now, with breathtaking speed and thundering, unbridled power, Lightning strikes, forevermore, fear in the hearts of Blue Raider.
Today, this winged horse is a fitting symbol of a university that has earned its wings and excels in many academic arenas, including historic preservation, teacher training, aerospace, political science, horse science, and recording industry. But the winged horse is more than a symbol of physical accomplishment; it’s also a symbol of character and the responsible wielding of power.
The challenge of all great universities and university athletic departments is to help student-athletes build character as well as strength. This winged horse, Lightning, is a symbol to Middle Tennessee students, athletes, and alumni of the soaring school spirit they experience at sporting events.
For its nobility and character, the winged horse was immortalized in the stars. Now, with breathtaking speed and thundering, unbridled power, Lightning strikes, forevermore, fear in the hearts of Blue Raider.
| Blue Raiders |
In the early days of athletics at Middle Tennessee State University, the teams were known by several nicknames. Among these were Teachers, Normalites, and Pedagogues.
In 1934, it was decided that the school needed a specific nickname. During football season that year, the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal held a contest to name the team.
The late Charles Sarver, then a Middle Tennessee football player and later principal at White County High School in Sparta, Tenn., won the $5 prize for his entry of “Blue Raiders.” Sarver later indicated he had “borrowed” the nickname of the Colgate Red Raiders but substituted MTSU Blue for Colgate Red. Ever since then, Middle Tennessee athletic teams have been known as the Blue Raiders.
For a time, the “unofficial” mascot for the Blue Raiders was a costumed, cartoon-like dog that debuted in the 1980s. A reasonable facsimile of a bluetick hound, the affable character was dubbed “Ole Blue.”
On January 17, 1998, the current mascot, “Lightning,” was born. The mascot was unveiled at a basketball game in Murphy Center. The introduction of Lightning gave a new identity to the nickname Blue Raiders.
In 1934, it was decided that the school needed a specific nickname. During football season that year, the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal held a contest to name the team.
The late Charles Sarver, then a Middle Tennessee football player and later principal at White County High School in Sparta, Tenn., won the $5 prize for his entry of “Blue Raiders.” Sarver later indicated he had “borrowed” the nickname of the Colgate Red Raiders but substituted MTSU Blue for Colgate Red. Ever since then, Middle Tennessee athletic teams have been known as the Blue Raiders.
For a time, the “unofficial” mascot for the Blue Raiders was a costumed, cartoon-like dog that debuted in the 1980s. A reasonable facsimile of a bluetick hound, the affable character was dubbed “Ole Blue.”
On January 17, 1998, the current mascot, “Lightning,” was born. The mascot was unveiled at a basketball game in Murphy Center. The introduction of Lightning gave a new identity to the nickname Blue Raiders.
| The Logo |
The first official athletic logo was unveiled on January 17, 1998 after a committee worked nearly two years on the project. The logo that debuted was a picture of a winged horse which snorts lightning bolts between the nickname Blue Raiders and MTSU.
In time, Chris Brady of the Publications and Graphics Department continued to work on the logo to offer some variations. It was Brady who came up with the concept of the current logo that is recognized as the athletic department’s primary logo today - a flying horse with a lightning bolt on top of a blue MT.
In time, Chris Brady of the Publications and Graphics Department continued to work on the logo to offer some variations. It was Brady who came up with the concept of the current logo that is recognized as the athletic department’s primary logo today - a flying horse with a lightning bolt on top of a blue MT.
| The Colors |
HE COLORS During the early spring of 1912, President Jones appointed two faculty members and a student leader to bring to the faculty recommendations for school colors. The two faculty members were Jeannette Moore King and Tommie Reynolds, and the student leader was Q.M. Smith. They met in the east corner first floor room of the women’s dormitory and after considerable discussion reached consensus on the two colors, blue and white. The committee pointed out in its report to the president that blue and white more nearly approximated the wearing apparel colors of the early Normal students and “school affiliation and spirit could be displayed in a more economical and practical manner.” The committee further stated that school colors embodied in everyday apparel could be purchased across the counter in any general merchandise store. The 1913 football team carried the first blue and white motif.
| Raider Walk |
One of the most popular traditions at MTSU is Raider Walk, which began in 2000. The team walks through Walnut Grove two hours before kickoff as fans, cheerleaders, and members of the band wish the Blue Raiders luck in their upcoming game. The Raider Walk is designated by lightning bolts painted on the sidewalk where the players greet the fans.
| Fight Song |
Blue Raiders ride on to vic-t’ry
Never failing in the fight
Upholding honor and tradition
Of the name that’s held most high
M-T-S-U marching onward
This will be our battle cry
For the one, true pride of the Blue
M-T-S-U Raiders Ride!
Never failing in the fight
Upholding honor and tradition
Of the name that’s held most high
M-T-S-U marching onward
This will be our battle cry
For the one, true pride of the Blue
M-T-S-U Raiders Ride!
| Alma Mater |
faithful guide of youth,
Through all the ages
affirmed and strong in truth.
Alma Mater, Middle Tennessee
We proudly offer
our hearts in loyalty.
Through all the ages
affirmed and strong in truth.
Alma Mater, Middle Tennessee
We proudly offer
our hearts in loyalty.
