South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are collectively known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who received the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting strategy, regardless of his physical stature or the size of his regiment. A British General once commented that Sumter "fought like a gamecock." The men have traditionally been known as the Fighting Gamecocks and the women were previously the Lady Gamecocks, this difference in names was discontinued in part to help eliminate gender bias in their athletic department, and to discount the oft-held misconception that their mascot is meant to represent,honor,or promote animal bloodsport in any way.