Biggest Fan of the Big East Challenge 5: Bleed Green and Gold

In the last challenge for the Biggest Fan of the Big East, Volvo challenged us to create the ultimate USF pride car, customizing the 2012 Volvo S60 in Bulls style (check out that post right here in case you want to witness the greatness again).  For this challenge, Volvo wants us to show What are the best traditions for your alma mater and why?  

So Volvo wants us to show some of the greatest USF traditions.  From the green and gold, to Rocky, to the Stampede of the Herd of Thunder, USF is rich in tradition and sets itself apart from the other schools in the conference. Here are some of the greatest traditions of USF and some of the traditions that my friends and take part in before a game that show our passion, WE BLEED GREEN AND GOLD!! 

With so many traditions around the USF campus, it's hard to narrow it down, but one of the most recognizable traditions for everyone is the USF Bull hand symbol. 

Coach Heath has the hand symbol down perfectly. 

The hand symbol is taught to incoming freshmen during orientation and is one of the most recognizable  traditions that is used during games and as a greeting for fellow Bull fans walking down the sidewalk. 

Everyone showing their cheer for USF :)

When the student section begins to throw the symbol in the air along with the Herd of Thunder (the USF marching band for those who are out of the loop) blasting the fight song, the Bulls create one of the most intense environments, showing the passion the fans have for the USF, athletics, and the pride we all have!  I have personally yelled at people to get on their feet if they even think about sitting down.

Which brings me to another great tradition at USF, the Herd of Thunder, or better known around the campus and games as HOT.  HOT is always positioned next to the student section, creating one of the loudest sections of any stadium and raising the level of intensity of the fans and more importantly the players on the court or field. 

There is no sitting next to these guys!

Whenever HOT begins the fight song, right as the team gets on their feet, everyone stands up on their feet, feeling the energy, hands spinning in the air with the horns up, and then the explosion of cheers as the players enter the court, there is nothing like that feeling, except for maybe cruising in an S60 with the windows down, but that is another story! 

How about those outfits?

One of the most notorious traditions at USF are the beef studs and babes (for those who don't know who these maniacs are, allow me to explain).  The studs and babes are typically students who come to the games early, paint up their entire bodies in green and gold, wear the viking helmets and grass skirts, and form one of the craziest parts of the student section for games.  They can always be found right outside the entrance to all events and offer to paint up anyone who is willing.  

Some of the babes that attend USF games :)

I have painted up once before, it's insanity in that section.  No matter what weather comes through the area, the studs and babes are a great symbol of the USF fans and lead the intensity in all sporting events. 

This is the old Marshall Center, a pretty boring building and in need of a flattening and redo!

Welcome to the new Marshall Center!

A new tradition that has emerged for USF is the seal inside the new student union, the Marshall Center.  When I arrived at USF, our Marshall Center was a three story dud of a building that had two sides for eating and sitting and a basement level, but after big time renovations, a huge union was built, one of the most beautiful buildings you will ever find. 

The bronze Bulls right outside the Marshall Center are just another incredible feature on campus.

The seal is situated right in the middle atrium of the Marshall Center.  When it was first built, it was in the middle of students walking through the center, but people did not want to step on it.  The Student Government realized this and went to the administration and they agreed, no one should step on it!  Now the glorious seal has roped off from the foot traffic of bustling students, just another reminder of how proud the USF tradition is!

DO NOT STEP ON THAT SEAL!

Another great tradition is the fan interaction with the players, especially during basketball season.  While each player is great, there is always one of two that bring a unique style to the game.  Last year, forward Jarrid Famous wore a head band for each game.  This inspired fans to join him and a group began wearing a  head band to each game, drawing the praise from Famous.  Another player that has become a fan favorite is Jawanza Poland.  Poland's dunks get the fans up on their feet and his unique name draws a lot of cheers whenever he throws down.  He also brings a lot of social media praise.  During a USF game, look for the JAWANZA!! tweets from the USF faithful, always fun to watch. 

Jawanza Poland continues to create highlights and has become a fan favorite. 

One of the greatest traditions for USF fans and a personal favorite is tailgating.  We always park in the same spot, bring out the grill, the frosty beverages, and making sure to hoist the USF flag so the color are shown.  The greatest part of the USF tailgate is hanging with friends.  The first time we parked in the front row for a football game, we were welcomed with open arms, random people offering to help us set up our tent, our grill, just warm hospitality.  Those random people are now friends and part of the USF family. 

This is just a picture of me and my buddy hanging with Coach Skip Holtz, yeah, we roll like this in Tampa.

The lasting memories of a tailgate are incredible.  From the laughs and games with friends, to the memories of meeting incredible people, it's so much fun being out there with the Bull family, there is nothing like it.

Peabody's is the place right next to campus to go to after another USF win.

After a game, it's time to head to one of the most known watering holes, Peabody's.  This was part of the alma mater weekend post for challenge 2 (oh yeah, we remember everything we did for these challenges! Check out the challenge here in case you FORGOT!)   Getting to Peabody's, you will find someone you known either enjoying a game of pool or enjoying the highlights of a USF win on the big screen TV

For away games, there are a few things.  Either head to Lee Roy Selmons to enjoy the game on multiple TVs and enjoy the cuisine with the other USF fans in the house.  Or if I stay home, I invite friends over, put the TV on, get the grill set up, the cornhole game is set up in the back yard and everyone wears green and gold, if you don't, you aren't allowed in the house, go home!

Just some friends hanging out at a USF tailgate :)

These are some of the greatest traditions for USF.  From the GREEN and GOLD, to the tailgating, to the pride we have for the players on the field.  The Bulls and USF are the best in the Big East.  So fans, what are some of your favorite traditions at USF?  Feel free to share! Once again, thanks to Volvo for the incredible challenge.