UCF Spirit Splash: A Wet and Wild Tradition
UCF, since its beginnings in 1963 as one of America’s first “space universities,” has cultivated a vibrant campus culture with traditions that bring Knights together. From the formal induction of new students at The Knighting to the artistic expressions showcased during UCF Celebrates the Arts, the university offers a diverse range of experiences. Among these traditions, Spirit Splash stands out as one of the most popular and spirited events, capturing the essence of UCF pride and camaraderie.
The Origins of a Tradition
Spirit Splash is an annual event held during Homecoming Week. It is an event where students rally at the Reflecting Pond and charge in to wrestle over rubber ducks. Since 1995, the Reflection Pond has been home to the University of Central Florida’s Homecoming Spirit Splash event. Each year, students rush into the Reflection Pond on the Friday before the Homecoming football game to celebrate. The event has garnered national recognition and was awarded Best Campus Tradition in 2011 by the National Association for Campus Activities. According to an article in Florida Leader magazine, it is ranked as the number one student tradition in Florida.
However, pinpointing the exact origin of Spirit Splash is no easy feat. There are two different stories floating around as to how Spirit Splash got its start, and not much documented history of either, making its origin unclear.
One story suggests that Spirit Splash began in 1995 at a Homecoming pep rally in front of Millican Hall when the then-student body president, Miguel Torregrossa, was playfully pushed into the Reflecting Pond by his Cabinet members. Farris, who served on the SGA Cabinet at the time, recalled giving Miguel a playful nudge, leading to his fall into the pond, followed by the rest of Student Government. Within minutes, almost everyone at the Pep Rally was in the pond, laughing, splashing and having a great time.
Another theory, supported by UCF Senior Archivist Mary Rubin, suggests that students were already entering the Reflecting Pond to beat the heat and attract attention during pep rallies. Regardless of the precise catalyst, the event coordinators recognized the students' interest in entering the Pond and worked to gain approval for the first official Spirit Splash at Homecoming in 1995.
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Belfatto, who now works as a marketing manager in Orlando, confirmed Farris’s account and further said that the event was planned to create a tradition for UCF students to rally behind after its football program entered Division I-A, now called Division I.
The Evolution of Spirit Splash
The first official Spirit Splash was held in November 1995. The Central Florida Future first used the term “Spirit Splash” in a Nov. 5, 1996, article. The 1997 Spirit Splash featured the football players, dancers and cheerleaders; the local band Average Joe; and UCF mascot Knightro and his then-girlfriend Glycerine. The Homecoming Committee threw out pennants, Frisbees, cups, golf towels and a Knightro doll. That Spirit Splash also featured the basketball team to promote their game against Auburn, with the Marching Knights leading the crowd to the arena to watch the game.
Since its inception, Spirit Splash has evolved into a larger and more sophisticated tradition. While attendance numbers for the very first Splash are unavailable, the 2015 event drew an estimated 15,000 to 17,000 students.
The Mystery of the Ducks
One enduring mystery surrounding Spirit Splash is the origin of the rubber ducks. It remains unclear when the ducks were first introduced and the inspiration behind them. According to Eric Smith, the current Homecoming coordinator, one year the foam figures weren’t ordered in time and they were looking for a substitute to give out that was small enough, not too hard to throw into a crowd, quick to arrive, and cost effective, and they came up with the rubber ducks. The University Archives' duck collection begins in 2002, but it is uncertain whether this was the year the ducks were first introduced.
Knightro's Debut
Even Knightro may have had his beginnings at Spirit Splash. According to a previous Central Florida Future article, information from the University Archives showed that Knightro did not officially appear until the 1994 Spirit Splash, although he was not named Knightro until 1995. Knightro debuted at the first Spirit Splash in 1994 as a knight in golden armor without a name. Over the next year, the golden mascot made appearances at events, sporting events and other student gatherings before being officially named Knightro.
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The Reflecting Pond: A Central Landmark
Located in between Millican Hall and the Library is the well-known Reflection Pond, also referred to as the Reflecting Pond. Construction on the Reflection Pond began around the same time as the Library; however, the water was not introduced until May 1970, according to a Central Florida Future article. Prior to the 1990s, students could be seen in the reflection pond taking a dip, sometimes even their pets would play in the water. Individuals would play nighttime football games in the Reflection Pond, and fraternities would hold gatherings in the water. Over the years, the Reflection Pond has been drained on various occasions for maintenance and algae. When the Pond was first constructed, it consisted of one small spout. However, during the 1990’s maintenance crews recommended that more spouts of water be installed to create circulation and reduce the amount of algae. In earlier years, the Reflection Pond hosted Commencement. The first university Commencement took place in 1973, and then-President Nixon and his wife joined President Millican and his wife as guest speaker. UCF legend has it that the Reflection Pond cannot be entered during a non-sanctioned university event.
Editor’s Note: In the early years of Florida Technological University, the pond was sometimes drained for seating at graduations. Perhaps the most famous event was on June 8, 1973, when Richard Nixon spoke at the graduation. The stage was set up outside the Administration building facing the building that house the WFTU radio station and library.
Spirit Splash Today
Today, Spirit Splash remains a highly anticipated event, drawing students and community members alike. Students, and even members of the surrounding community, line up hours in advance of the stampede into the Pond to get their hands on a Spirit Splash T-shirt, dance to upbeat music and claim their spots for the rush up to the edge of the Pond. As thousands of students count down - “Three! Two! One!” - the cheers turn into one big roar, and everyone rushes into the cool water of the Reflecting Pond all at once, trying to grab a coveted rubber duck without getting trampled by their peers.
The pond fills with people as the band, cheerleaders, dancers, football players and Knightro get the crowd excited from the stage.
Other Homecoming Traditions
UCF’s first Homecoming was held in 1971, three years after the first classes were held at Florida Technological University (FTU). The Knights won their inaugural Homecoming game, 101-75, on Feb. The year 1980 saw two Homecomings for the first time: one during basketball season and the first for football, which has just put together a team the year before. Whether the football team was playing at the Citrus Bowl or the Bounce House, Knights fans have always brought their A game. Although it is no longer part of Homecoming week, a parade was a signature event and longstanding tradition for many years. National Panhellenic Council’s Greek Step Show at the 2020 Fireworks Festival, part of UCF Homecoming lineup. The Marching Knights welcome back alumni to perform alongside the current band members on the field. The 2020 fireworks show was held on Memory Mall.
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Over the years, UCF has seen many memorable Homecoming royalty. Perhaps the most memorable royalty was our 1977 Homecoming queen Rita Reutter, a 58-year-old widowed grandmother of 14. The following year, the university saw its first Homecoming king crowned: Bob Baker ’78 - who transferred to UCF from Daytona Beach Community College where he also reigned as Homecoming royalty. Jodi Reddick and Bob Baker ’78 represented the university as Homecoming queen and king.
Campus Traditions and Landmarks
UCF offers a variety of traditions and landmarks that contribute to the university's unique identity.
- Pegasus Palooza: Start off your time at UCF right with Pegasus Palooza!
- The Knighting: The Knighting is your formal convocation, marking your induction as an official student at UCF while welcoming new Knights to campus, inspiring your journey as a Knight and offering more insight about UCF.
- Family Weekend: Spend quality time with family, showing them around campus and giving them a taste of what Knight life is all about.
- UCF Celebrates the Arts: Cultivate your creativity during UCF Celebrates the Arts.
- Symphony Under the Stars: Grab a blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy Symphony Under the Stars.
- Universal Knights: If you like roller coasters, you’ll love Universal Knights. Each spring, join thousands of Knights with exclusive, late-night access to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It’s the greatest study break of the year.
- Student Research Week: Those who eat together stay together. The Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence is part of Student Research Week.
- Black and Gold: At UCF, we bleed black and gold. The color combination is both dignified and works well through many uses - just a couple of the reasons as to why it was chosen.
- Street Names: Ever notice how the street names on campus represent constellations, galaxies and spacecraft? Gemini Boulevard, Andromeda Loop and Apollo Circle aren’t just happy coincidences. They reflect UCF’s beginnings as a space university.
- Pegasus Seal: Our seal, Pegasus, dates back to 1968 when we were known as Florida Technological University. “Pegasus was the mythological winged horse of the muses. He carried their hopes, their inspirations and their poetry into the skies,” explained Dr. Millican, the university’s president at the time. Over the last 50+ years, Pegasus remains a symbol of our students reaching for the stars and achieving their dreams.
- Knightro: You’ll see Knightro - and maybe some of our other mascots - around campus, making appearances at athletics events, pep rallies and so much more.
- Knugget: The newest addition to athletics and campus events is a mini horse who goes by Knugget. This four-legged, fluffy and absolutely adorable member of Knight Nation hypes up students and spreads cheer everywhere. If you ever run into Knugget around campus, be sure to give him some well-deserved pets.
- Reflecting Pond: Our most recognizable landmark, the Reflecting Pond has a unique place in UCF history. It’s been around since the first year of classes and even served as a commencement ceremony location for several years. Today, it’s a great spot to relax in between classes and is hands-down one of the most popular backdrops for graduating Knights.
- Memory Mall: Outdoor events. Tailgate activities. College GameDay backdrop. Memory Mall is packed throughout the year with students, alumni and visitors looking to enjoy some fun in the sun. As one of the focal points around campus, it’s quickly become an area for Knights to gather. You’d never guess that this open green space used to be a parking lot in our early years.
- Lake Claire Recreation Area: Looking for peaceful scenery? Take in all nature has to offer at the Lake Claire Recreation Area. Find a quiet spot by the lake or take a study break with friends. There’s lots to see and do, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sand volleyball and cookouts. Plus, you won’t want to miss out on the free events here each semester.
- Pegasus Seal in the Student Union: Don’t step on the seal! Legend says that you won’t graduate if you walk across the Pegasus seal in the Student Union. But once you have your diploma in hand? Go ahead and walk across it to celebrate your momentous achievement.
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