Campus Traditions

Oklahoma State University is steeped in tradition. Here are a few of our favorites to help you better understand the true meaning of our Cowboy spirit.

Homecoming

Homecoming dates back to the Harvest Carnival in 1913. The OSU Alumni Association hosted its first official Homecoming in 1920. Today, America’s Greatest Homecoming draws crowds in excess of 80,000 to Stillwater, with events such as the Sign Competition, Harvest Carnival, Walkaround and the Sea of Orange Parade. The Edmon Low Library fountain is dyed orange during Homecoming.

Pistol Pete

Until 1923, OSU’s mascot was a tiger, adopted from Princeton University, whose colors were orange and black. At that time, students were looking for a mascot with a better Oklahoma fit. During their search, a group of students saw Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton riding in a parade and decided to adopt his likeness as their mascot. Each year, two students portray the animated gunslinger Pistol Pete and appear at more than 500 events as a symbol of the university’s fighting spirit.

Bullet and the Spirit Rider

A rider carrying the OSU flag rides a dark horse onto Boone Pickens Stadium at the beginning of each home game and after each touchdown. The “Spirit Rider” tradition began in 1984 when student John Beall became the first rider, using his own horse. OSU purchased its own Spirit Rider horse in 1988 and named him “Bullet” through a contest in the student newspaper, the Daily O'Collegian.

Theta Pond

The pond, built in 1895, was originally known as Horse Pond because it provided water to the horses and other livestock housed nearby in the horse barn. After the barn burned in 1922, the pond became known as Theta Pond, drawing its name from the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority located across what was then College Avenue (now University Avenue).

Orange Fridays

In a show of orange pride, then-President James Halligan encouraged the university to wear orange on the Fridays before football games. On game days, entire stadiums and arenas are filled with orange to support all of our athletes.

The Walk

On game day, two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff, the football team walks down Hester Street to Boone Pickens Stadium. Fans gather on the side of the street and cheer their Cowboys on to victory.

OSU Spirit Run

During the second half of OSU home basketball games, a member of the OSU Spirit Squad runs around the upper level of the arena carrying a huge OSU flag while the Spirit Band plays the William Tell Overture.

Alma Mater

The OSU Alma Mater hymn was written by Robert McCulloh in 1957. Students and alumni link arms and sway as the Alma Mater is played at sporting events and campus ceremonies. The tune can also be heard several times daily across campus from the library bell tower. Just remember, the left arm goes up on the “S” at the end.

ALMA MATER HYMN LYRICS

Proud and immortal, bright shines your name; Oklahoma State, we herald your fame! Ever you’ll find us, loyal and true, To our alma mater O - S - U!