Sports Traditions & History

The Indians
Although school spirit can be chronicled back to our founding as Williamsburg Institute, the first known reference to the Indian mascot was in an article written for The Cumberland Echo (school newsletter) related to our basketball team dated January 26, 1922.

Though no official adoption can be found, the choice of the Indian as the college's mascot seemed the most appropriate way to pay them great homage considering the area's Cherokee heritage.
The earliest inhabitants of Southeastern Kentucky belonged to the Algonquian Indian linguistic group evidenced by artifacts found by archaeologists, but it was the Cherokees of the Iroquoian language family that made their way into what is now Whitley County, long before the pioneers explored and settled in these mountains.

At that time the Cumberlands were called "Quasioto" by the Cherokees and historical records show the Indian tribes had a large, complex community in the Williamsburg area.

The Indian through the years:

The Patriots
In 2001, the Cumberland College Board of Trustees voted to change the school mascot from the "Indians" to the "Patriots" and the school colors from maroon and white to red, white and blue. The Patriot was deemed appropriate as campus buildings reflected the beautiful colonial architecture that our campus is known for today.

A Patriot has an inspiring presence that brings out the best in others and demonstrates selfless, courageous commitment to those being led. These qualities blend well with the UC mission to produce servant leaders.
Further instructive, our geographical area was involved in a good deal of early American history. Records show that we have one of the largest number of veterans in this congressional district of any in the nation.

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The Wrought Iron Horse Tradition
On May 20, 1991, the only child of President and Mrs. Taylor was killed in an automobile accident. It was the night before Young Jim would have graduated from high school.
Due to the generosity and enormous support for the Taylor's during their time of grief; many contributions were made to the college in honor of Young Jim. It was this support that made possible the construction of the football, track and soccer complex. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the complex the James H. Taylor, II Stadium after President and Mrs. Taylor's son. It seemed fitting since Young Jim was the first ball boy when football was reinstated in 1985.
In 1994 before the first football game of the season, the stadium was dedicated in honor of Young Jim. During the dedication, Young Jim's horse, Big 'un, which he adored, was led around the track by his two cousins. It was a rider-less horse and his boots were placed backwards in the stirrups to symbolize he would never ride again. It was that same day that the tradition of touching the wrought iron horse was born.
The wrought iron horse is a symbol of Young Jim's love of horses and stands as a blessing to the team. Each game, as the football team emerges from the tunnel, they gently tap the horse for good luck.

The Rollins Rowdies
The Rollins Rowdies, taking their name from the O. Wayne Rollins Center, where many of Cumberland's sports play out were formed approximately five-six years ago. Unlike many other sporting traditions at Cumberland, this one's roots lay solely in the hands out the students. Students independently formed the group and still maintain it today. The "Rowdies," as the student body has grown to call them are a group of dedicated Cumberland fans. No one knows when they will appear, but you can find them face-painted and cheering at most home basketball and football games.

The Annual Chili Supper and Maroon and White Scrimmage
This annual tradition was begun in 1983 by then headmen's basketball coach Randy Vernon. The employees of the Campus Center Grill who wanted to do something to help introduce the team to the public contacted Vernon. The grill staff prepared their special blend of Cumberland chili with a salad and desert, and the tradition has continued. Each year before basketball season gets underway, October, the men's basketball team sends out a special invitation to the college family and community inviting them to "Meet the Patriots."
In 1990, Vernon decided to spice up the chili supper and added the annual Maroon and White Scrimmage to the mix. After the team members are introduced at the "Meet the Patriots" chili supper, the players and community adjourn to the O. Wayne Rollins Center where the team is split into a maroon and white squad. A showcase of what the season holds is displayed as the community gets their first look at what the Patriots have to offer.

The Change From CC to UC
On April 22, 2005, the Cumberland College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change our name from Cumberland College to University of the Cumberlands, Inc., effective at Midnight, June 30, 2005. This brought together four units that comprise Univeristy of the Cumberlands: Cumberland College (the undergraduate liberal arts program), Hutton School of Business/Management, the Center for Leadership Studies and the Graduate & Professional Education program.
"The mission of our college will not change, only the name which is more reflective," stated President Jim Taylor. "Cumberland will continue its traditions and affiliation with Kentucky Baptist Convention seeking to strengthen these ties."

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