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HOME ~ College Football History |
Scrappy,
The Eagle Mascot
Students in a 1922 campus election chose the eagle over the dragon and
lion as the college's mascot. In the '60s, a costumed Scrappy began
appearing at games and other events. The mascot was renamed Eppy in 1974
by students
 who thought the name "Scrappy" was too warlike. However,
Scrappy was reborn in 1995, when students decided the first name was
better.
Eagle Claw
The eagle hand sign is our universal sign of pride and unity. Curl the
thumb and index and middle fingers forward. The right and pinkie fingers
stay closed against the palm.
Mean Green Nickname
Although green has been the school color since around 1902, the "Mean
Green" nickname dates form the late '60s when the football team's
defense was dominating other teams. One of the outstanding players at
the time was "Mean" Joe Greene.
No one served longer as North Texas football coach than Odus Mitchell.
His career at the school spanned the years from 1946-1966. During this
time he won 122, lost 85, and tied 9 football games. His teams won or
shared ten conference championships and his 1959 squad appeared in the
Sun Bowl.
Mean Green Village
Various groups set up tents near Fouts Field before home football games.
Meals are available at this popular social event, which is one of the
university's newest traditions.
Fight Song
The Fight Song was written by North Texas alumnus Francis Stroup in fall
of 1939. He wrote it after attending a Saturday Night Stage Show where 'Fessor
Floyd Graham, director of the Aces of Collegeland swing band, held a
contest to pick a school fight song.
Let's give a cheer for U of NT! Cheer for the green and white.
Victory's in store whate'er the score,
Our team will ever fight. Fight, fight, fight!
Shoulder to shoulder we march along, striving for vic-tor-y.
Playing the game for the honor and fame and glory of UNT!
U...N...T Eagles! UNT Eagles! Fight, fight fight!
Glory to the Green
Alma Mater
Adopted in 1922, our alma mater was composed by Julia Smith, a saxophone
player in the Normal College Band who later earned fame as a composer.
The original lyrics were the handiwork of student Charles Langford.
Singing glory to the green, singing glory to the white,
For we know our university is striving for the right;
Down the corridor of years, we'll forget the joys and tears,
But North Texas, North Texas, we love!
Spirit Bell
The Spirit Bell was brought to Denton from Michigan in 1891. It was used
to signal class changes and evening curfew. The 2,000-pound bell served
as a sound of victory for many years until a crack was found within. The
Talons dedicated the original bell to the university in 1982, and it was
placed in the University Union across from the One O'Clock Lounge.
Though smaller, the bell's successor can be heard at any home football
game ringing with pride.
Boomer, The Victory Cannon
The tradition of firing the cannon began in 1970. The modern cannon is a
scale replica of a Civil War model and is managed by the Talons. Boomer
is fired at special campus events and at football games to signal
touchdowns.
Lighting the McConnell Tower
After a victory by a UNT athletic team, special green floodlights bathe
the Administration Building clock tower to signal the victory to the
campus and the community.
Homecoming Bonfire
The tradition of the Homecoming bonfire began in the '30s. Members of
the Talons spirit organization build the fire, which is lit the Friday
night of Homecoming at the Eagle Point Golf Course.
University Seal
Atop the seal is the lamp of learning, burning with an eternal flame
representing academic achievement and excellence. The beveled lone star
in the center symbolizes the great state of Texas.
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