The Spirit of Gold and Garnet: A History of Florida State University Cheerleading
The Florida State Seminoles are the athletic teams representing Florida State University (FSU) located in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles' athletic department currently fields 18 varsity teams, including programs for both men and women. Among these spirited teams, the FSU Cheerleading squads stand out as a symbol of tradition, energy, and unwavering support.
Origins and Evolution
FSU Cheerleading traces its history back to the early years of the football program. In 1902, the Florida State College in Tallahassee fielded its first varsity football team. The FSC program posted a record of 7-6-1 over the next three seasons, including a record of 3-1 against their rivals from the old University of Florida (formerly known as Florida Agricultural College) in Lake City. In 1904, the Florida State College football team became the first-ever state champions of Florida after beating both the University of Florida and Stetson University. What once began as a small group encouraging fans has now grown into a nationally competitive team that has earned respect for spirit and performance.
As FSU transitioned from the Florida State College for Women to a co-educational university in 1947, cheerleading took on a new form. Margaret “Maggie” Strum Acheson Allesee became FSU’s first head cheerleader, leading the opening cheer at the first football game in 1947. Allesee was also the first woman to win a varsity letter. She later went on to be the only female of the FSU Varsity Club’s dozen founders. Allesee traveled the world and settled in the Detroit area, but she never stopped cheering for Florida State, returning annually to Tallahassee to don her original uniform and make appearances in the FSU Homecoming Parade and on the football field.
The Garnet and Gold Squads
FSU Cheerleading’s Garnet and Gold Squads are one of the university’s longest-standing and most cherished traditions. The roar of the crowd would not be complete without the energy of FSU's Cheerleading team. Decked in garnet and gold, the Seminoles’ Cheer program has long been a part of gameday and tradition. The Garnet and Gold Squads feature partner stunts and a multi-base team, respectively. Both of these squads get split for sports like volleyball and basketball at their coach's discretion. The program fields both co-ed and women’s teams. The teams are nationally ranked, with the co-ed team winning a UCA D1A Small Coed National Championship in 2023.
From firing up fans at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium to Tully Gymnasium, they bring FSU pride to every event. “Our team takes the role of being an ambassador for this university very seriously,” senior Cheerleading squad member Tori Wegner said in an interview with the FSView. “It’s a family.”
Read also: Explore CFK
Training and Dedication
Beyond the stunts, tumbling and chants are athletes who train year-round. Practices stretch late into the night with strength and conditioning mirroring other Division I (D1) sports. Cheerleaders balance class schedules, practice, performances and community events. Many on the team describe the other members as a second family and a support system while navigating Cheer and life, forming relationships built on trust that go beyond daring stunts. “Everyone loves each other so much and wants everyone to succeed,” junior back spot Samantha Arrieta said to the FSView.
A Unique Perspective
Like any part of Seminole life - from athletics to academics - FSU is built on tradition. The same goes for ’Noles Cheer: the war chant, striking garnet and gold uniforms and the gameday experience are all amplified by the team’s presence. Cheer athletes support FSU's many athletic teams while having few formal benefits or avenues for recognition. This creates a unique outlook for the Cheer squad - both as performers and athletes.
The Absence of NCAA Recognition
Despite its rigor and talent at events like the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Championship, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does not recognize Cheer as a sanctioned sport. This means the ‘Noles Cheer program operates outside the governing framework that sets rules and supports D1 athletics. There are no NCAA championships, no official NCAA oversight and fewer resources than other D1 athletes and teams receive.
For athletes, the lack of recognition can be frustrating. “We are shed in a light where people think our ‘only job’ is to support another team,” Arrieta said. “People forget to recognize the layers of athleticism behind the scenes.” Cheerleaders dedicate a significant amount of time to practices and appearances, facing physical risks similar to those recognized by the NCAA in sports. In Cheer, stunts require strength, balance and coordination with no timeout and injuries often are handled after the routine.
Many universities push for these athletes to be further recognized. The NCAA has recognized tumbling and acrobatics in recent years, which shows how these teams are making a difference through each performance. “Even though it may seem little what we do … we put hard work into what we do … it is a sport,” junior co-ed stunter Matthew Parkis said.
Read also: NCAA Tournament: Florida Gators
Continued Success and Future Goals
For Florida State Cheer, the lack of NCAA recognition has not stopped the upward trajectory of the team. They compete nationally, rank nationally and represent their own legacy like that of other Seminoles programs. In many ways, the absence of recognition has only highlighted the team’s dedication. As the program looks ahead, FSU Cheer is committed to tradition and progress, embracing a role in exciting fans and pushing for greater recognition.
Allesee's Legacy
An avid Seminole fan and ardent supporter of her alma mater, Allesee had a rich history of philanthropy to FSU. Allesee also gifted the university the one-ton, 15-foot-tall statue, Sportsmanship, which stands in Strum Plaza at Doak Campbell Stadium. Unveiled in 2000, the gift honors her father, Al Strum, an athlete in his own right who had a remarkable reputation for grace and sportsmanship. Most notably, she endowed the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography in 2004. The center, housed within the FSU School of Dance, is the first national center for choreography located in a major research institution. Since its inception, MANCC has supported multi-week residencies for more than 150 choreographers and their 1,100+ collaborators worldwide. “Through the experience in this center for choreography, FSU offers a positive impact for developing outstanding dancers from all over the world,” Allesee said. Carla Peterson, MANCC director since 2014, credits Allesee’s “expansive vision, deep passion for dance, commitment to students and abiding generosity” for inspiring artists and propelling the center’s success.
Read also: Florida Atlantic University Dates
tags: #florida #state #university #cheerleading #history
