Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Mascots Then and Now

As we honor our history this sesquicentennial year, Southeast Missouri State University has had several mascots in its 150 years. From a Native American chief to the Redhawk we know today, let us take you through the timeline of the many faces of Southeast.

Former Southeast students who got the privilege of donning the mascot attire of their time seem to share a sense of pride in their job as the face of SEMO. Although the mascot has not remained the same over the last 150 years, one thing that has not changed is what the mascot means to our University. A mascot says a lot about an institution. It speaks to the tenacity of the students and underscores their fighting spirit. Mascots are the embodiment of what a university strives to be. Today, the Redhawk spirit is with the students in the classroom and in the sports arena. Rowdy is energetic, loyal, hardworking, and fun. If that doesn't sum up Southeast, we don't know what does.

 

SEMO Mascots through the Years

  • The front cover of an early 1900s SEMO Sagamore yearbook

    1914 to 1920

    The Sagamore and Capaha Arrow use indigenous iconography.

  • The front of the Sagamore features a Native American chief illustration.

    1920-1930

    Indigenous iconography extends into sports. Teams are now called the 'Indians.' 

  • Colorful football program announcing the Arkansas vs SEMO game.

    1930-1940

    Southeast has no official mascot but continues to use the 'Indian' nickname.

  • An illustration of a Native American chief on a window pane.

    1940-1960

    ‘Big Chief Sagamore’ is officially recognized at University sporting events.

  • A large illustration of a native american hangs above a dorm next to the words Smoke Our Peace Pipe.

    1960-1972

    Chief Sagamore is now shown alongside a ‘Princess' later known as Princess Otahki. In 1965, Alpha Phi Omega sponsors the use of a costume.

  • A vintage photo of Academic Hall.

    1981-1984

    Southeast takes action as universities across the nation question using Native American mascots. Chief Sagamore is quietly retired but the 'Indian' nickname continues.

  • SEMO Red waves to the camera. He is a mascot with a large head and red hair in SEMO attire.

    1986-1988

    A new mascot arrives. SEMO Red is featured with cheerleaders at campus events. Chief Sagamore and Princess Otahki continue to exist but do not take the forefront as mascots.

  • A rare photo of the SEMO Thunderbird mascot.

    1989

    Southeast tries out the thunderbird as a mascot. It is shortlived. 

  • SEMO Students wear shirts with the University's name and logo.

    1989-1996

    Southeast uses the 'Indian' nickname but does not have an official mascot.

  • Various mascot options are submitted to SEMO staff.

    1997-2004

    Various members of the campus community come together under President Dobbins to determine whether or not to replace the nickname 'Indians' as well as the mascot. Several other mascot ideas are submitted.

  • Variety of Rowdy illustrations before the official mascot look was chosen.

    2005

    After passing on names like the Ninja Squirrels and the Fighting Okra, Southeast introduces Rowdy the Redhawk. Rowdy was hatched on January 22, 2005.

  • Rowdy shows off his new look at a basketball game in 2019.

    2019

    Rowdy the Redhawk gets a new look!

Trevor Sumpter smiles for a photo in the Show Me Center.

Trevor Sumpter

...When the women's basketball team won the OVC championship, I was there on the court when they won and it was an amazing experience. I mean, they just all erupted and I ran onto the court and the mascot uniform as well. And that was probably the best experience of my life and especially in the game.

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