Tradition builds identity, shapes community, and strengthens bonds across generations. The University of South Florida (USF) has grown rapidly since its founding, but its heart has always been guided by rituals, symbols, and celebrations that connect students, alumni, and faculty. Every leap forward is matched with a look back, honoring the groundbreakers and achievers who put USF on the map. From the birth of its mascot to spirited events like Homecoming and USF Week, the university thrives on traditions that cultivate pride and unity.
Table of Contents
Overview of USF Traditions
| Tradition | Year/Period of Origin | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| How the Bulls Were Born | 1962 | Golden Brahman selected as mascot; later evolved into Bulls |
| Rocky the Bull | 1974 (trademarked), redesigned in 1986, updated in 2003 | Beloved mascot at games and events |
| Homecoming / SuperBull | 1964; renamed in 1997 | Annual fall celebration with parades, games, and alumni reunions |
| Herd of Thunder (HOT) Marching Band | Late 1990s | Known for energetic “stampede” field entrance |
| “Go Bulls!” Hand Symbol | Started with basketball free throws | Signature gesture of USF pride |
| Scoring Celebration | Football tradition | Cheerleader pushups and Sun Dolls’ point-based kicks |
| Bull Market | Decades-old, revived at MLK Plaza | Weekly Wednesday market for food, bargains, and socializing |
| USF Week | 2010 (from USF Day) | Week-long April celebration with talent shows, lectures, and Bullstock concert |
How the Bulls Were Born
- In 1962, students selected the Golden Brahman as USF’s official mascot.
- Florida’s cattle-raising heritage influenced this decision, creating a connection to the Texas Longhorns’ mascot.
- Over time, the Golden Brahman transformed into the Bulls, which became the unifying identity for USF athletics and student pride.
- The evolution from Brahmans to Bulls symbolized strength, resilience, and adaptability—qualities embraced by the university community.
Rocky the Bull: The Face of USF
- 1974: Rocky’s first image was trademarked, becoming the official representation of the USF mascot.
- 1986: A redesign modernized his appearance, making him more recognizable and appealing.
- 2003: Today’s Rocky was unveiled, embodying energy and boldness.
- Rocky attends:
- Football and basketball games
- Homecoming events
- Community festivals
- Student celebrations
- Rocky has become more than a mascot—he is a living symbol of USF spirit, representing both tradition and forward movement.
Homecoming and SuperBull
- 1964: USF hosted its first Homecoming, aimed at bringing together current students and alumni.
- 1997: Homecoming was officially linked with football season and rebranded as SuperBull.
- Events include:
- Homecoming Parade with creative floats
- Alumni reunions fostering lifelong connections
- Student competitions, pep rallies, and concerts
- Homecoming week transforms the campus into a hub of celebration, ensuring that past and present Bulls unite through shared experiences.
The Stampeding Herd of Thunder
- Known as HOT, the Herd of Thunder Marching Band has been a cornerstone of school spirit.
- Their signature stampede entrance onto the football field symbolizes energy and excitement.
- The band contributes not only music but also atmosphere, rallying the crowd and motivating the team.
- HOT performs at:
- Football home games
- Special campus events
- Community parades and festivals
“Go Bulls!” Hand Symbol
- The hand symbol originated in basketball when players used it as a good luck sign for free throws.
- Over time, it evolved into the premier expression of USF identity.
- The symbol is now widely used for:
- Cheering at games
- Greeting fellow Bulls
- Expressing school pride on and off campus
- It is a gesture that binds the community, much like a secret handshake that everyone shares.
Scoring Celebration: Pushups and Kicks
- USF football games feature unique scoring celebrations.
- Cheerleaders:
- Perform pushups equal to the team’s score after each touchdown.
- One cheerleader leads atop a board held by teammates.
- Sun Dolls:
- Execute one high kick for every point scored.
- These traditions heighten the energy of every touchdown, involving fans, athletes, and performers in a shared ritual of victory.
Bull Market: The Midweek Gathering
- The Bull Market is a decades-old tradition, originally hosted behind the University Center.
- Today, it thrives at the MLK Plaza behind the Marshall Student Center.
- Held every Wednesday during fall and spring, the market features:
- Student-run stalls selling crafts, art, and clothing
- Food vendors offering affordable meals
- Information booths from student organizations
- Social gatherings that encourage networking and community spirit
- The Bull Market symbolizes a living tradition of commerce, culture, and connection.
USF Week: Celebration of Pride
- 2010: Declared as USF Day by former Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio on April 9.
- Quickly expanded into USF Week, a week-long celebration each April.
- Key highlights include:
- Rocky’s Birthday Bash, celebrating the beloved mascot
- Ultimate Bull Talent Show, showcasing student creativity
- University Lecture Series, hosting prominent speakers
- Bullstock Concert, a large-scale musical event closing the week
- USF Week has grown into a showcase of history, pride, and togetherness, celebrating both academic achievements and student life.
Symbolism of Traditions at USF
| Tradition | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Golden Brahman / Bulls | Strength, adaptability, and Florida’s heritage |
| Rocky the Bull | Energy, pride, and unity across generations |
| Homecoming / SuperBull | The Connection between alumni and students |
| Herd of Thunder | Passion, rhythm, and collective excitement |
| “Go Bulls!” Hand Symbol | Shared identity and universal pride |
| Scoring Celebrations | Joy, teamwork, and victory spirit |
| Bull Market | Community, commerce, and social connection |
| USF Week | Institutional pride and cultural celebration |
Looking Ahead
Tradition at the University of South Florida is not merely about looking back; it is about carrying forward values that unite generations. From Rocky the Bull to the weekly Bull Market, every practice strengthens the identity of the USF community. Pride, celebration, and connection define these customs, ensuring that students and alumni alike remain bound by the spirit of the Bulls. As USF continues to expand, its traditions will serve as guiding pillars, balancing growth with heritage.
