The Story Behind T-Roy: A History of Troy University's Mascot
Troy University, a public institution located in Troy, Alabama, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1887 as Troy State Normal School. Over the years, the university has evolved, and so have its symbols, traditions, and athletic programs. One of the most recognizable aspects of any university is its mascot, and Troy University is no exception. The evolution of the Troy University mascot reflects the institution's growth, traditions, and the spirit of its students and athletes.
From Teachers to Trojans: The Evolution of a Mascot
Troy University's athletic teams have gone through several name changes, mirroring the institution's own transformation. In its early years, the sports teams were known as the "Teachers," a fitting moniker for a normal school. However, as the athletic program grew and joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the nickname was changed to the "Red Wave" in 1931. This name remained until the early 1970s.
In 1973, a significant change occurred when the student body voted to adopt the "Trojans" as the official university mascot. This decision was motivated by the desire to distinguish themselves from the University of Alabama, whose athletic teams were known as the "Crimson Tide." The new mascot marked a distinct identity for Troy University.
T-Roy: The Embodiment of Trojan Spirit
With the adoption of the "Trojans" nickname, the university introduced its mascot, "T-Roy." T-Roy is an integral part of school spirit, known for leading and increasing crowd participation at Trojans Women’s and Men’s basketball games. He has also been featured on ESPN College Gameday, the Jeopardy! College Championships, and appears at numerous Trojan events on campus. T-Roy's antics are always a welcome sight at any Troy game.
T-Roy has undergone several design changes over the years. In 2004, a new mascot design was introduced, but it faced criticism from students and alumni who felt it was too cartoonish. Despite being named Hector, Prince of Troy, the mascot was still called T-Roy. In 2007-08, the mascot received a cardinal cape clasped by a T button. By 2009-10, the SGA and Alumni Association fundraised and purchased a new costume for T-Roy. This version was referred to as Buff T-Roy. It featured a chin strap inside the head to make it stay on.
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Notable Moments in T-Roy's History
T-Roy has been involved in various memorable events throughout the years. Some notable moments include:
- St. Patrick's Day Parade (2008-2009): T-Roy and Trojan Force One made a crossover appearance.
- Pep Rally (2008-2009): T-Roy brought out the T-Roy's Troop shirt and gym shorts.
- Homecoming (2008-2009): T-Roy showed up in a cheerleader uniform.
- Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament (2009-2010): T-Roy competed in a dance-off with other mascots and was undefeated.
- New Orleans Bowl (2010): T-Roy donned pom-pom pants.
- Santa T-Roy (2011-2012): T-Roy made a grand appearance as Santa.
- NCA Mascot Nationals: T-Roy finished 2nd in 2011 and 10th in 2012.
In 2011, the T-Roy costume was allegedly stolen. Between the article and the poster, it was confirmed that the costume was indeed stolen. It was kept at the home of a T-Roy as they did not have access to the Athletics facilities.
The Modern T-Roy
By the time the Trojan Tour 17 started in Troy, T-Roy reappeared in a much newer, leaner form. The current T-Roy essentially finetunes the costume from the previous two versions. The biggest change is the headpiece. The more cartoony aspects of T-Roy’s looks are reduced, making for the most humanlike version of the mascot to date. In the seven years since his introduction, this version of T-Roy hasn’t changed much at all. Really the only real change has been updated football jerseys in 2023.
Current T-Roy has defintely experimented with different looks and costumes much more than the previous versions. He’s even willing to play soccer and even hockey if we had a team! One of the only failings of the newest costume I’ve found was Santa T-Roy. Thanks to Trojan Threads, T-Roy can now even rock overalls as he is performing for fans.
Athletics at Troy University
From its origins as a club sport, Troy University football has competed at every level of intercollegiate competition, culminating in its transition to Division I-A, the highest division in college football, in 2001. It has since made numerous post-season appearances, with a 6-3 record in Division I-A bowl games. The Troy Trojans host home games at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Pike County. Game-day traditions include the "Trojan Walk" with university cheerleaders, the world-renowned "Sound of the South" marching band, and the popular mascot, "T-Roy." The team colors are Cardinal, Black, and Silver.
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In 1909, professor Virgil McKinley established a football program at the small teachers college then known as Troy Normal School. Adopting the nickname the "Teachers," the initial squad fielded 11 men and competed against local high schools. The team's first game came on November 5, when it played nearby Luverne High School to a scoreless tie. By 1924, the team had expanded its schedule to include Jacksonville State College, initiating a rivalry that would last the rest of the century. The team also adopted a fully intercollegiate schedule. Financial limitations caused by the Great Depression cast doubt that the college could maintain a football team; the program was suspended in 1929. School officials made a firm commitment, however, in 1931 when they hired former University of Alabama standout Albert Elmore to revamp the football program. Elmore changed the team mascot to the "Red Wave" and provided expert guidance.
After suspending football during World War II from 1943 through 1945, Troy reemerged as a regional contender as it became part of the new National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Continual improvement brought many new opportunities for the football program. In 1948, the Red Wave appeared in its first postseason game, losing to archrival Jacksonville State in the Pensacola Paper Bowl, 19-10. The team also moved into improved facilities in 1950 when university and city officials dedicated the new Veterans Memorial Stadium in memory of Troy students and Pike County residents who died fighting in the war.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Troy reached major milestones in the development of its football program. In 1971, Troy (then Troy State University) fielded its first integrated squad when Cliff Dunham became the first African American football player in school history. That same year, Troy moved into the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II as a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC). Two years later, the student body officially adopted the "Trojans" as the university mascot. Trojan football flourished at the Division II level, with six GSC championships. The team's accomplishments also attracted national attention. Under coach Chan Gailey, the Trojans won the 1984 Division II National Championship when Tom Clem kicked a 50-yard field goal to secure an 18-17 victory against North Dakota State University with time expiring. This momentum continued under the leadership of new coach Rick Rhoades.
The early 1990s witnessed Troy's continued success. In 1991, the university hired Larry Blakeney as head coach, under whom Trojan football negotiated the difficult transition into Division I-AA. In eight seasons at the Division I-AA level, the Trojans appeared in seven playoff games and two national semifinals. Encouraged by these results, university officials decided to move up to Division I-A. Troy's inaugural year in Division I-A included games against highly ranked opponents including the University of Miami and the University of Nebraska, which went on to play each other for the 2001 national championship. Despite a daunting schedule, Troy finished the season 7-4, including a 21-9 upset over Mississippi State University.
Satisfied with these successes, the university decided to expand Memorial Field and seek a conference affiliation. These decisions resulted in the construction of Veterans Memorial Stadium with a capacity of more than 30,000 fans and Troy State University joining the Sun Belt Conference for the 2004 season. In its first year as a Sun Belt member, Troy won the conference title and received an invitation to the Silicon Valley Bowl in San Jose, California, where the team lost to Northern Illinois 34-21.
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After a poor conference showing in 2005, in 2006 the Trojans beat Middle Tennessee State University in a game that became known as the "Miracle at Murfreesboro." Troy scored two touchdowns in the final minutes to win 21-20. The season's accomplishments were capped off by an invitation to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. In front of a nationally televised audience, the Trojans dominated Rice University 41-17 to win its first bowl game in school history.
Since its transition to Division I-A, Trojan football has enjoyed a growing reputation as a "giant killer." In nationally televised home games, Troy upset Marshall in 2003, seventeenth-ranked Missouri in 2004, and Oklahoma State in 2007, and in 2017 against number 25 Louisiana State University 24-21 in Baton Rouge. In 2014, longtime coach Larry Blakeney (1991-2014) retired as the winningest coach in program history with a 178-113-1 record. The Trojans enjoyed continued success under former offensive coordinator Neal Brown, posting a 10-3 record and top-25 ranking in 2016 and winning three consecutive bowl games from 2016-2018. The program went 11-2 in 2017, 10-3 in 2018, and was tied for the best record in the conference at 7-1 both those seasons. After going 15-19 and missing bowl appearances over three seasons under Chip Lindsey, the Trojans hired Jon Sumrall as head coach in 2022. In the 2023-24 season, the Trojans posted an 11-2 regular-season record that included a nine-game winning streak. They defeated Appalachian State 49-23 in the conference championship. Soon after, Sumner left Troy to coach at Tulane University. The Trojans then lost to Duke 17-10 in the Birmingham Bowl.
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