TSU Tiger Athletics Online Site Map: Special Info

• Alma Mater

• Fight Song

• Pretty Baby II - our live Bengal Tiger is alive and kicking

• Ocean of Soul Marching Band - get lost in the waves of the World Class TSU Marching Band

• Spirit Organizations – find out a bit about TSU’s leaders of spirit

The air is filled as our voices ring
From earth to the heav’ns above.

   
With voices raised; we’re
singing praise,
To the school we dearly love.

Hail, Hail, Hail! to Texas South-ern
Hail, to our dear Maroon and Gray
Undivided we will stand
By the greatest in the land,
T-S-U, T-S-U, we love you.

All roads lead to Texas South-ern,
Paved with light for one and all.
T-S-U’s a shining star
And we’re proud of what you are,
T-S-U, T-S-U, we love you.

Hail, Hail, Hail! To Texas South-ern
Hail to our Chiefs in reverence we sing.
In our hearts you’ll always stay
As you lead us on our way,
T-S-U, T-S-U, we love you.

-Words and Music by C.A. Tolbert

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We Are The Tigers of TSU
We Love Our Team
And Our Colors Too!
Hooray for Maroon & Gray

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The University live Bengal tiger mascot is doing well and growing rapidly. Weighing in at about 150 lbs., this large cat is expected to exceed 400 lbs. She was born from a litter of 1.4, one of which was all white. "Pretty Baby II," who was born October 2, 1997, at a mere 10 lbs., near Somerville, Texas, is termed a heterozygous breed. Her coat is uniquely striped with a birthmark of a distinctly patterned, series of circles on her lower underside.

Most are surprised at the sheer size of her large feet. While not tamed, "Pretty Baby II" has charmed students, alumni and faculty alike.

Housed in a nearby rural community, she roams around her cage, rests in her water pool, and plays with gold fish in the nearby pond. She is walked daily and receives a well-balanced diet.

The acquisition of "Pretty Baby II" was the brainchild of Alice Rogers, cheerleader coordinator and student publications manager. In 1997, the homecoming sterring committee met to solidify plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary Homecoming festivities. At that time, the half-time committee chaired by Detria Ward of KTSU worked hard and secured the necessary funds from TSU alumnus attorney Victor "Vic" Bonner.

"Pretty Baby II's" debut was the highlight of the golden anniversary homecoming football game's half-time on Nov. 15, 1997. Temperatures had plummeted. It was frigid, near 32 degrees and a light mist persisted when she was presented by Bonner and Miss TSU, amidst a backdrop of fireworks and fanfare at Rice Stadium.  "Pretty Baby II" was welcomed with a standing ovation. The office of student activities has been responsible for the tiger's upkeep.

The first group of students responsible for guarding "Pretty Baby II" on her campus visits were Entourage, a group of freshmen males.

The predecessor, "Pretty Baby," was purchased by the Student Government Association according to Joseph Williams, former longtime dean of students. A male, this tiger was seen on campus with coeds holding it and cuddling it. Once he grew larger, Williams negotiated residency for him at the city of Sinton zoo. "Pretty Baby" visited the campus and was seen in the Homecoming parades. Unfortunately, his demise came in the mid 1980s. He reportedly succumbed to old age.

During halftimes at Texas Southern football games, you may notice not many people leaving their seats.  They’re there to see the performance of the nationally renowned “Ocean of Soul” marching band of TSU.

The Director of Bands is Richard F. Lee, a native of Houston, Texas.  Assistant Directors are John P. Henry, Jr., Dr. Paxton Girtmon, and Howard Harris.

The “Ocean” as the band is referred to on the Texas Southern campus, has thrilled audiences across the country.  They have performed on national television and before capacity crowds in the Houston Astrodome.  The versatile “army” of musicians has performed at track meets, basketball games, and other functions in addition to football games and parades.

The “Ocean” has gained an enviable reputation for its thrilling performances, which include the execution of intricate dance routines.

All members of the band and staff endeavor to achieve excellence.  Their endeavors have been many times juxtapostional with such individuals  as Barry Hall and Rocky White, members of the Distinguished Duke Ellington  Band; jazz singer Anita Moore; flutist Bobbie Humphrey; James Bolden, first trumpet player with B.B. King; Don Patterson, principle bass player with the group Sessions, and celebrated jazz saxaphonist Kirk Whalum.  Jennifer Holliday, who appeared in the Broadway play, “Dreamgirls” has also been featured with the “Ocean of Soul.”

The spirit of the “Ocean,” the enthusiasm the members have for their music, and the excellence and precision displayed in their performance, are in themselves a guarantee that they want to perform for you!!

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