He's Baaaaaack! Uh, but does anybody remember him to begin with?

FSU has a new mascot character. Or, according to the press release, an oldie but a goodie (a "revived" mascot).

His name is Cimarron and you'll be seeing him at Seminole athletic events and other public appearances. The reason is pretty apparent: A guy in a horse costume is much easier and more affordable to schedule -- not to mention logistics and on-site pooper-scooper duty -- than Osceola and his faithful steed.

Let us know what you think of Cimarron, reimagined by a leading corporate costume designer, on the Nole Poll on the right. And here's the complete release from FSU's Media Relations:

The Athletics Promotions and Marketing Office at Florida State University unveiled on Thursday the costume and logos associated with the revived character “Cimarron” that will be associated with Seminole athletic events.

Under the supervision of FSU’s cheer and spirit groups, Cimarron will make appearances at many Florida State athletic events and functions. In addition, the character will make public appearances and will be available for functions at area schools and service projects. Cimarron will also serve as the mascot of the Florida State University Kid’s Club. Fans can find officially licensed products bearing Cimarron’s likeness at retailers soon.

“Osceola and Renegade are revered and honored symbols of Florida State athletics as has been recognized by their recent selection as the best tradition in all of college football,” said FSU Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Promotions Jason Dennard. “We treat our symbol with great honor and respect and they appear only at football games, Homecoming and Fan Day. Cimarron has been revived to give a promotional presence at other designated events  It also allows us to participate in some opportunities that were not appropriate for the distinguished symbol of Osceola and Renegade.”

FSU commissioned the design and fabrication of Cimarron by Scollon Productions, Inc. in the fall of 2011. Scollon has been the costume character designer and manufacturer of choice for many corporations world-wide including Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and over 100 sports teams

Comments

[Tom]

1. It's for kids
2. It's not replacing Osceola & Renegade
3. No pooper scooper required
4. It's smart marketing
5. It expands FSU' brand options

[Cim]

"The reason is pretty apparent: A guy in a horse costume is much easier and more affordable to schedule -- not to mention logistics and on-site pooper-scooper duty -- than Osceola and his faithful steed."

This is incorrect. Osceola and Renegade are only endorsed for use by the Seminole Tribe at football games. That's why "The Warrior" and Cimarron (late 90s) were used at basketball games and other events. Check the ACC commercials, Osceola is never there, it's usually a cheerleader or "The Warrior."

[Noledoggydaddy]

The name "Cimarron" is not congruent with the Seminole tradition or the location of FSU. From the Free Dictionary: "Cim·ar·ron (sm-rn, -rn)A river rising in northeast New Mexico and flowing about 1,123 km (698 mi) eastward across southwest Kansas to the Arkansas River in northern Oklahoma."
Ahhh isn't the Okie Seminole Nation NOT in favor of our affiliation with the Seminole Nation? Why would we name this character after a river that is so far removed from the University and synonymous with the Southwestern US??? Name is a major "FAIL" IMHO.

[Stephen White]

Looks like a Halloween costume.