The Citronaut was the original, unofficial mascot of Florida Technological University (FTU), which later became the University of Central Florida (UCF). It consisted of an orange body with the FTU logo. Vincent “Vinnie” the Vulture was one of UCF’s first mascot candidates, announced in 1969 by the student newspaper FuTUre. The Citronaut appeared on the cover of UCF’s first student handbook in 1968.
In 1980, UCF decided to revamp the mascot to motivate the crowd and draw attention to the new football program. Sir Wins-a-lot, a knight-themed mascot featuring a large smiling face, was introduced. Trey Gordon, a UCF 1996 alumnus and cheerleader, helped create the mascot and filled the role himself.
After second President Trevor Colbourn changed the university’s name from FTU to University of Central Florida, he decided another change was needed — a mascot change. The new uniform plans also gave UCF a reason for a throwback, once-per-year, retro tribute to its early years. In 1970, FTU’s athletics program finally had a nickname, the Knights. The students had a logo to rally behind, a democratically chosen design that allied with the Knights of Pegasus.
Knightro, the UCF mascot, was not always the face of the university. Although Knightro’s suit of armor has always been black and gold, many other colors were used in the mascot. The Citronaut is a legacy mascot that is still in use today.
Did UCF change their mascot?
UCF, a university in Central Florida, has requested to be identified as UCF when referring to itself, rather than Central Florida. The “Knights of Pegasus” was a proposal in 1970 to replace the unpopular original mascot, the Citronaut. The teams were rebranded as the Golden Knights from 1993 to 2007, and Knightro debuted as the official athletic mascot in 1994. Since 2014, the Citronaut has made a limited return for some “throwback” games in football.
UCF sponsors 16 varsity sports, with six for men and 10 for women. The Knights have combined to win 89 conference championships and two national championships as of the 2020-21 school year, but neither of the national championships were bestowed by the NCAA. One Golden Knights athlete, Aurieyall Scott, has won an individual NCAA championship, winning the 60 meter dash at the 2013 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. The UCF cheerleading team has also captured three national titles at the College Cheerleading and Dance Team Nationals.
Why is the UCF logo a Pegasus?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) logo, featuring the Pegasus winged horse, was officially unveiled by President Charles Millican on April 5, 1968, from a design by Jim Shattuck and Norman Van Meter. The design was chosen for its distinctiveness and symbolism of the university’s vision of limitless possibilities. The Tab, the primary identity mark, is a bold, modern visual representation of the brand, best used independently from other visual elements in a layout. When using the Tab for external audiences, it is essential to include the term “University of Central Florida” in the text or use the University Signature as a separate graphic element.
What was the old USF mascot?
The Golden Brahman was chosen as the official mascot of USF in 1962, based on the need for a mascot similar to the Texas Longhorns. The mascot evolved into the “Bulls” in the late 1980s. Rocky the Bull, first trademarked in 1974 and redesigned in 1986, is now a regular at USF athletic games and community events. USF has held a campus Homecoming since 1964, called “SuperBull”, and the campus comes alive each fall during Homecoming week with traditional student and alumni activities.
Why does UCF call themselves Space U?
The University of Central Florida, founded in 1963, focuses on the U. S. space program and has created space uniforms to honor its history. The first space helmets were debuted in 2017. The bounce house stadium, located on the 50-yard line on the same latitude as NASA’s launch pad 39A, is directly connected to space. The space-themed uniforms have evolved annually, each with a specific meaning, according to Jimmy Skiles, the Chief Brand Officer for UCF athletics.
What is UCF’s motto?
UCF, or Florida Technological University, has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Orlando area since its inception. The university’s motto, “Reach for the Stars”, has been instrumental in fostering growth and establishing talent pipelines for major employers. The university’s impact on the region is evident in the thriving aerospace and defense industry and the development of Central Florida Research Park as a modeling and simulation hub.
The university’s history dates back to 1963 when Florida Governor Farris Bryant signed Bill 125, creating a new university for Central Florida to support the growing space industry. In 1965, Charles Millican became the first president and opened the university’s first office in downtown Orlando. In 1966, the university’s name was changed to Florida Technological University, focusing on high technology and engineering needed by the space industry.
From 1968 to 1973, UCF moved its administrative offices to the east Orange County campus, receiving its first research grant from NASA. The university’s official colors were black and gold, and the university seal was introduced. Early commencement speakers included NASA astronaut John Young and President Richard Nixon.
Why does UCF have Pegasus?
President Millican selected the Pegasus design as the FTU’s inaugural seal, citing the idea that every individual possesses a divine quality. The seal was selected from a pool of approximately 50 to 70 color combinations and 30 to 40 design options, including 10 to 15 variations of the star. In mythology, Pegasus was a winged horse that carried the muses’ hopes, inspirations, and poetry into the skies.
What was UCF originally called?
On October 7, 1968, Florida Technological University (UCF), then known as Florida Technological University, opened for classes in Central Florida. President Charles Millican welcomed 1, 948 students who upheld the university’s motto of “Reach for the Stars”. These students aimed to fulfill the region’s high demand for scientists, engineers, business professionals, and teachers. The charter class helped establish the traditions and reputation of the new university, and the chemistry building, one of the first buildings on campus, was one of the first buildings on campus.
When did UCF stop being the Golden Knights?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights football team, formerly known as the Golden Knights, was rebranded in 2007 to better represent the university in American football. The team competes in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big 12 Conference. Head coach Gus Malzahn leads the team at the 48, 000-seat FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida. UCF first fielded a varsity football team in 1979 as an NCAA Division III program and ascended to Division I–A in 1996.
As a Division I–AA program, the Knights made the 1990 and 1993 playoffs and were selected as the preseason No. 1 team for the 1994 season. As of the 2023 season, UCF has compiled 293 victories, six division titles, and six conference championships.
When did UCF change from FTU?
In 1978, Dr. Millican returned to teaching in the College of Business, and Dr. Trevor Colbourn became the university’s second president. The university diversified its academic programs to meet the changing needs of the community population and the local economy. In 1978, the name was changed to the University of Central Florida, reflecting the diversified demand for technological and scientific education. By 1989, UCF had a football team, marching band, four doctoral programs, a Research Park, and seven endowed Chairs.
Dr. Steven Altman became the third president, making significant contributions to the university’s growth. By 1991, the university had completed a blueprint for its future, including a Master Plan for new construction to accommodate a growing research mission and a student body expected to double in the next twenty years. UCF became a “Metropolitan University” that provided facilities and academic programs to match the community’s greatest needs.
Dr. John Hitt, the fourth president, set five clear goals for the schools to take the university into the 21st century. As of March 2011, UCF had 56, 235 students, 212 degree programs in 12 colleges and 9 regional campuses. Among its alumni and students are notable figures such as Miss America, a Pulitzer Prize winner, NFL quarterback, Rhodes scholar, NASA astronaut, World Cup/Olympic Soccer champion, and creators of “The Blair Witch Project”.
Does UCF have two mascots?
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has a tradition of having two mascots, Knightro and Pegasus, both appearing at athletic events. On game days, the UCF Marching Knights enter the stadium, followed by cheerleaders leading fans through the War Chant. Before the team arrives, Pegasus and the UCF Knight charge onto the field, rearing as Knightro draws a sword from the ground. The university has had various Pegasus mascots over the years, including horses donated by Burt Reynolds in the ’80s and Rick Walsh in the ’90s.
In 2001, the UCF Alma Mater Society established the official mascot program, partnering with Medieval Times to receive a donated horse named Centauro. The Equestrian Club at UCF and the Pegasus Mascot Team were established in that year.
What was the old mascot of UCF?
The Citronaut was the original unofficial mascot of Florida Technological University (UFC), featuring an orange body with the FTU logo and a space helmet-wearing astronaut face. This mascot homaged the area’s economic influences, UCF’s support for the space program and the citrus industry. Although the unofficial mascot was only used briefly in the 1960s, the logo has appeared on several sports uniforms, with the football team using it for their 2018 match against Temple.
Add comment