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Sir Big Spur VII is the official live mascot of South Carolina Athletics, presented by CVETS. Sir Big Spur VII and his predecessors are an Old English Black Breasted Red Fighting Gamecock. Sir Big Spur made his debut for the Garnet & Black in 1999, first at home football games.

Cockfighting is a blood sport due in some part to the physical trauma the cocks inflict on each other, which is sometimes increased by attaching metal spurs to the cocks' natural spurs. While not all fights are to the death, the cocks may endure significant physical trauma.

There are several tasks involved in preparing a cock for fighting. If the rooster has never been fought, its comb and wattles must be “dubbed” (see photograph). The cock’s natural spurs, which may be several inches long, are also removed with a “spur saw,” a modified hack saw.

Nov 2, 2023 · South Carolina has a live mascot named Sir Big Spur, with the latest iteration named Sir Big Spur VII. The original mascot, an Old English Black Breasted Red Fighting Gamecock of the same...

Sep 16, 2022 · He became known as the "Fighting Gamecock," a backhanded compliment bestowed upon him by the British, whom he terrorized throughout the South Carolina countryside.

The Fighting Gamecocks All The Way! GAMEDAY TRADITIONS: 2001 The South Carolina Gamecocks feature perhaps the most unique and electrifying pregame entry in all of college football.

Aug 29, 2022 · The USC Gamecocks have a new name for the rooster mascot, choosing The General to replace Sir Big Spur ahead of the 2022 season opener.

Jan 10, 2025 · Before a fight, spurs of metal or bone are slipped over the natural spurs of the gamecocks. The modern short spur is 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) or less in length; the longer spur scales from 2 to 2 1/2 inches (5 to 6 cm). In ancient times cocks were permitted to fight until one or the other was killed.

Jul 19, 2024 · The first Sir Big Spur, an Old English black-breasted red fighting gamecock, made his debut at a home baseball game in 1999, and soon became a fixture of USC’s gameday festivities, making his ...