Samford is home to many traditions, and one of the most iconic is Samford Moses. For most athletic games, the red-robed Samford Moses leads the “Red Sea” student section in chants of support.
Samford Moses can be recognized by his long red robe, gray beard, wooden staff, reflective sunglasses and loud voice.
“My job is to hype up the fans and be a representation of energy for our team, athletics, and Samford,” Moses said.
About 15 years ago, Samford Athletics sent out a poll for the students to decide what they wanted their student section to be called. Samford’s Sports Information Assistant Joey Mullins explained how the Moses tradition came to be.
“They selected ‘The Red Sea.’ Someone then began to show up in the Red Sea dressed like Moses every game, and it just stuck,” explained Mullins.
According to Katie Archer, Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement for Samford Athletics, the driving factor that separates Moses from other athletics traditions is that he is entirely student-led.
“The traditions that stick the most are the ones that are student-driven,” said Archer. “When students create their own traditions, they have a tendency to embrace and add new aspects to the tradition.”
Most of the traditions that Samford Athletics have rolled out have been oriented towards specific annual games. Some examples include the Shauna’s House fundraising event for women’s soccer, the men’s basketball “Red Out” game against Furman and Dig Orange for volleyball each year.
Moses is unique because he appears at almost every sports event throughout the year; he isn’t tied to a specific day or game, only to Samford Athletics.
Not just anybody can be Moses.
“Finding an individual who is dedicated to the role and willing to think outside the box while also risking embarrassment at times is truly hard to find,” a pervious Moses explained.
The current Moses is nothing but committed to his craft, utilizing every spare second to support the Bulldogs.
“I went to every single men’s home basketball game last season; I’m there most football games,” he said.
Moses does more than just attend games; he also supports the Bulldogs more than anyone else in the crowd.
“My voice is gone after every single game,” he said.
Archer has noticed Moses’ dedication throughout the entirety of each game.
“For some games, the students will get into it when we are winning, but then when we are losing, the energy goes down. Moses keeps it up the whole time,” Archer said.
The student body and Samford community have embraced Moses as a mascot and leader.
“I’ll be leaving games, and I’ll get stopped by a bunch of Samford parents and kids who think I look weird, so I’m glad they like it,” Moses said.
You’ll find Moses waving his staff, participating in chants led by the marching band, and doing his signature move, parting the “Red Sea.”
When he is about to split the sea, fans should look for Moses to signal with his staff. When he strikes in the middle of the crowd, everyone is expected to “part the sea,” splitting the student section in half.
“If you’re reading this, please part the sea when I strike my rod on the ground,” he said.
Although he is already so committed, Moses wants even more involvement on how to improve his role.
“I would love to hear suggestions from fans on what games I should attend next,” Moses said. “Follow @samfordmoses on Instagram to send me recommendations. I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on how Moses can be more impactful on campus.”
Moses wants to see the Red Sea gather in numbers he’s never seen before for his winter season debut. On November 18, the Samford Men’s Basketball team has their first home game at the Pete Hanna Center. Be sure to support the Bulldogs and catch a glimpse of Samford’s most prominent student-led tradition.
