Tennessee Tech has a long and awesome history with a number of traditions that have been established. Check out some of the highlights below!

Since 1985, small squares of toilet paper referred to as “Tech Squares” were used as “snow” to create a blizzard after the first Golden Eagle basket during a home basketball game. “Tech Squares” are gone, but students still find ways to create the blizzard.

From 1960-1998, a Totem pole Tech named Shinny-Ninny went to the winner of the Tennessee Tech-MTSU football game. The “Totem Bowl” rivalry ended when Middle Tennessee State University moved to a different athletic division. Tech’s last win was in 1997, leaving Shinny-Ninny to remain at MTSU.

The first home football game of the season features a new tradition where the freshmen class runs out on the football field with the President and First Lady just prior to the beginning of the game.

The beloved Tennessee Tech mascot was first known as Golden Eagle from 1962-1974. The name changed in 1975 to “Evel Eagle,” referring to Evel Knievel because of the daredevil stunts performed at games. In the late 1970s, “Tommy Tech,” named after the “TT” on his sweater, became referred to as Tech’s mascot. Awesome Eagle, our mascot since 1985, is a two-time, consecutive UCA National Championship title winner.

This new celebration occurs at the start of the holiday season. Tech’s president and first lady open the event with a seasonal sing-along accompanied by the Golden Eagle Marching Band. A Tennessee Tech version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is read and the main quad is lit with a magical display of twinkling lights. Hot chocolate and fun festivities are enjoyed by all.