It began in controversy. Some reports say the 1927 football team held a team meeting to select Hurricanes, hoping they would sweep away opponents just as the devastating storm did on September 16, 1926. 

Another version holds that Miami News columnist Jack Bell asked end Porter Norris of the 1926 team what the team should be called. Told that the local dignitaries and University officials wanted to name the team for a local flora or fauna, Norris said the players wouldn't stand for it and suggested "Hurricanes" since the opening game had been postponed by such a storm. 

From time to time, opposition has arisen to the name that would "reinforce Miami’s negative reputation as a weather-beaten community living constantly under the threat of destruction." But as one UM official rationalized in the 60’s, "Does anyone think Chicago is overrun by bears just because the town has a football team by that name?

The Tradition Of The Ibis

A Bird of Courage. A Bird of Knowledge. A Bird of Strength And Speed. A leader of its species.

As the clouds become dark and a hurricane approaches, folklore maintains that other birds look to the Ibis for leadership. The Ibis uses it's instinct to detect danger. It is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane hits, giving warning that danger is imminent. As the storm passes the Ibis is the first to reappear, a sign that clear skies are approaching.

In 1926, the University of Miami adopted the Ibis as the official mascot for the University's athletic teams. Representing the leadership courage, knowledge, strength and speed characteristics that our student-athletes portray.

Through the past 75 years Hurricane student-athletes have lived up to the tradition of the Ibis. The pride that comes from the success of these students is strong. It is a great honor to be a Miami Hurricane and be represented by this strong yet graceful bird.