The USC horse mascot, known as Traveler, is a beloved symbol of the university's athletic spirit and tradition. Traveler is a white horse with a regal appearance, often seen at USC's home games and other special events. The tradition of having a horse mascot dates back to the 1960s when a student named Richard Saukko offered his horse to be the university's official mascot. Since then, Traveler has become an iconic symbol of USC. One of the most notable aspects of Traveler is the horse's rider, who is dressed in the traditional Trojan warrior attire. The rider holds a sword and wears the iconic Trojan helmet, further adding to the visual impact and symbolism of the mascot.
Traveler IX is only 10 years old, so it’ll take him a while to reach that level.
As Traveler IX made his way back to the tunnel, where he would stay during the game, Asman mentioned the possibility of treats after the contest, but not at this exact moment. Traveler s presence at games and events is not just a spectacle; it s a living tradition that unites generations of Trojans, reflecting the university s commitment to community, integrity, and achievement.
The rider holds a sword and wears the iconic Trojan helmet, further adding to the visual impact and symbolism of the mascot. The combination of the horse and rider creates a powerful and majestic image that embodies the strength and pride of the USC community. Traveler is more than just a symbol; the horse plays an active role during USC's home games.
USC's Mascot Criticized for Having Name Similar to Robert E. Lee's Horse
The University of Southern California mascot, Traveler IX, is a symbol tied to white supremacy and should be removed from campus, according to some USC students.
Confederate general Robert E. Lee's horse had a similar name, Traveller with two l's. USC Black Student Assembly co-president Saphia Jackson cited USC's horse as evidence that "white supremacy hits close to home," the Daily Trojan reported. Jackson spoke during a campus rally Thursday in response to the Charlottesville, Va. riot.
"I push administration, faculty, and staff to have serious engagements and not dismiss our issues because we are here for serious change," Jackson said during the rally. "We can no longer afford to stay silent."
Traveler IX is USC's current mascot, and there is a statue of the original Traveler mascot who debuted in the fall of 1961. The Traveler line of mascots has appeared with an armor-clad rider for decades. The original rider, Richard Saukko, used pieces from Charlton Heston's costume in Ben-Hur.
Saukko's widow, Pat Saukko DeBernardi, is among those who do not think the university should be concerned with the horse's name. Saukk DeBernardi told the Los Angeles Times that worries about Traveler IX are the "the flavor of the day."
"The problem is this: maybe three weeks ago it was fine," Saukko DeBernardi said. "So now the flavor of the day is . . . we all have to be in hysteria. . . . It's more of a political issue. The horse isn't political and neither am I."
It's unclear whether the original mascot was named for Lee's Traveller. There are conflicting accounts without attributed sources, and the university does not associate the horse with slavery or the Confederacy.
"USC's mascot horse is a symbol of ancient Troy. Its rider, with costume and sword, is a symbol of a Trojan warrior," the university stated online. "The name Traveler, spelled with one 'l,' is a common name among horses."
"USC's Traveler is and has always been a proud symbol of Troy," the university said. "There is no truth to any other claims or rumors about its name."
Troy is an ancient near-eastern civilization, and therefore, almost certainly maintained some forms of slavery. However, it is primarily known for mythical heroes such as Hector and Aeneas.
Saukko DeBarnardi agreed with the university's stance that the horse is an apolitical mascot.
"Over at USC they're non-political about their horse," Saukko DeBernardi said. "What if their name would be Lee? Would they want to change it? It doesn't make any difference. . . . He's a wonderful horse and a great mascot."
The energy and excitement generated by Traveler’s gallops around the stadium are palpable, lifting the spirits of the team and igniting the passion of the fans. Traveler’s role extends beyond the field; it’s a symbol that fans identify with, a representation of the values and traditions that make USC unique.
Before each game, Traveler makes a dramatic entrance onto the field, galloping around the perimeter of the Coliseum. This tradition is known as the "Traveler trot" and is met with excitement and cheers from the crowd. The sight of the majestic horse represents the team's readiness to battle on the field. Over the years, Traveler has become a recognizable figure not only within the USC community but also in popular culture. The mascot has made appearances in movies, commercials, and even video games, further solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of the university. The presence of Traveler at USC events helps create a unique and memorable experience for fans and spectators. In conclusion, the USC horse mascot, Traveler, is a beloved symbol of the university's athletic spirit and tradition. With its regal appearance and dramatic entrance onto the field, Traveler embodies the strength and pride of the USC community. The presence of Traveler at USC events creates a memorable experience for fans and helps solidify the mascot's iconic status..
Reviews for "Riding into Battle: The Role of USC's Horse Mascot in Football"
1. John Smith - 2/5: The USC horse mascot is highly overrated. I found it to be quite underwhelming and not representative of the university's fierce spirit. The way it awkwardly prances around the field during games is laughable rather than inspiring. I believe USC can do much better in selecting a more charismatic and captivating mascot that truly embodies the Trojan spirit.
2. Emily Johnson - 1/5: The USC horse mascot is utterly unimpressive. Its lackluster appearance and minimal interaction with the crowd make it a forgettable addition to game day. I've seen other universities with much more engaging mascots that have the ability to energize the crowd and add to the overall experience. USC should reconsider their choice and invest in a more exciting mascot that truly represents the energy and enthusiasm of their sports teams.
3. Michael Thompson - 2/5: As a long-time USC fan, I have to admit that I find the horse mascot to be quite lackluster. It doesn't have the impact or personality to really engage the crowd or energize the team. Its movements are stiff and robotic, lacking the fluidity and excitement that a mascot should bring. USC should consider revamping their mascot to better reflect the spirit and enthusiasm of the university and its sports teams.
4. Samantha Turner - 3/5: While the USC horse mascot is not the worst I've seen, it definitely leaves much to be desired. Its design seems outdated and uninspiring, and it fails to create a connection with the crowd. The movements are rigid, and it lacks the playful energy of other mascots. Overall, I believe USC should pursue a more modern and engaging mascot that better reflects the university's competitive spirit and resonates with fans.
5. David Roberts - 2/5: The USC horse mascot is a disappointment. It lacks the energy and excitement that a mascot should bring to a game or event. Its presence feels forced and doesn't add any value to the overall experience. USC should seriously consider reinventing their mascot to create a more memorable and engaging symbol that fans can rally behind.