Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan Traditions
TOILET PAPER TOSS
Central Michigan University spotlights a cherished tradition each year with its annual Toilet Paper Toss Game, held during a designated men’s basketball contest. A time-honored Central Michigan tradition, the Toilet Paper Toss was brought back for the first time in 20 years on January 28, 2023, and has continued since.
At this time-honored and highly anticipated event, fans receive a roll of toilet paper, and at a predetermined time before the game, the crowd simultaneously throws its rolls onto the floor, creating a cascading spectacle for all to see. The event has also proved to be a success for the CMU men’s basketball team, as the Chippewas are undefeated in Toilet Paper Toss games.
The toilet paper toss tradition began at Central Michigan during the 1982-83 basketball season, with the first event occurring in early February 1983. The fad was short-lived but was brought back in 1986 by the athletic department. An iconic photograph during the February 18, 1987, game against Western Michigan, taken by CMU photographer Peggy Brisbane, was published in People Magazine.
During that time, Central Michigan's student section was known as the Snake Pit. During games, the student group sported maroon t-shirts depicting a snake logo. Legend has it that a rival coach referred to playing a game in the arena as being in a "snake pit,” and the name was subsequently adopted by the CMU student section.
CMU has since brought back the Snake Pit as the official name of the student section.
SNAKE PIT
The Snake Pit is Central Michigan University’s student cheering section, which supports all sports—most notably football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.
All CMU students can join the Snake Pit and attend all games for free with a Student Access Pass. Snake Pit fans, who often wear maroon and gold t-shirts, create an energetic atmosphere, form an enthusiastic fan base, and are “experts” at tossing toilet paper.
The Snake Pit name celebrates a Central Michigan tradition that began over 40 years ago. In the 1980s, CMU’s spirited student section adopted the name Snake Pit. During games, the group showed their pride by wearing maroon t-shirts with a striking snake logo. According to legend, Michigan State’s Jud Heathcote compared playing CMU in Rose Arena to a "snake pit,” inspiring the CMU students to adopt the name.
After several years, CMU has brought back the Snake Pit as the official student section name.
At several points in time, Central Michigan’s men’s basketball games were rated among the nation’s top college basketball atmospheres.
Discover the fun history of the Snake Pit and the Toilet Paper Toss tradition by clicking here.
Join us and follow the Snake Pit on Instagram using this link.
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES/TAILGATING
Student involvement is central to establishing and maintaining Chippewa football traditions, which are a foundation of campus culture and game day atmosphere.
Football games at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium are more than just a sporting event; on game days, the stadium becomes the focal point of campus activity, drawing in the greater Mount Pleasant community.
Tailgating energizes home games turning parking lots into lively maroon-and-gold scenes filled with food, drinks, music, and games. University groups host tailgate parties north of the stadium. Students gather on the south end, next to Kelly/Shorts’ massive state-of-the-art video scoreboard.
Game days provide nonstop excitement. The Chippewas compete on the field named after legendary coaches Roy Kramer and Herb Deromedi. Beside the rowdy student section in the east stands, the Chippewa Marching Band keeps the energy high.
A cherished tradition occurs after a victory at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, when team members join the band for a post-game celebration and lead the fight song, The Fighting Chippewa.
After a home win, CMU players celebrate with the band, leading the school fight song, The Fighting Chippewa, symbolizing unity and celebration.
WESTERN MICHIGAN RIVARLY/BATTLE FOR THE VICTORY CANNON TROPHY
The Central-Western rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college athletics. The two schools face off annually in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and in various other sports, such as gymnastics and volleyball, often with Mid-American Conference championships at stake.
The campuses in Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo are separated by a mere 135 miles, and many students can claim lifelong friendships with those from “that other school.”
The annual winner of the CMU-WMU football game takes home the Victory Cannon Trophy, modeled after the game-day cannons at each stadium. The trophy stays with the winner until the next game.
HOMECOMING: A CMU TRADITION SINCE 1924
Homecoming Weekend, first celebrated on Nov. 22, 1924, is a cherished annual tradition, uniting CMU students, faculty, staff.
Homecoming features a parade through Mount Pleasant. Homecoming ambassadors—student leaders known for their campus involvement and for upholding the university’s values—are introduced on the field.
A grand marshal or marshals lead the parade each year. They are chosen for their contributions to the CMU community. Past marshals include presidents, championship team members, standout athletes, and similar figures.
FIRE UP CHIPS
“Fire Up Chips” is Central Michigan’s tradition-filled rallying cry and greeting, inspiring pride on campus and for the university. This spirited greeting inspires confidence and a sense of belonging, echoing from the athletic fields to classrooms and everywhere else, making every moment feel special.
The phrase has become embedded in the CMU community. When wearing maroon and gold or the action “C” anywhere, expect to hear a ‘Fire Up Chips!’—often followed by a smile, a wave, or a handshake, welcoming you as part of the CMU family.
According to CMU historical records, the “Fire Up Chips” phrase was first coined by the women of Calkins Hall in 1967.
THE CHIPPEWA NAME
The Chippewa nickname is a tradition rooted in Native American history in the Mid-Michigan region symbolizes CMU’s strong bond with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
CMU athletic teams were formerly the Dragons, then the Bearcats. In 1941, then assistant football coach Lawrence ‘Doc’ Sweeney suggested that the nickname Chippewas was a much more appropriate one, given the geographic tie-in to the Native American tribe, the Chippewa River, and the lore and tradition of the area. The idea gained support received administrative support and was overwhelmingly adopted by the student body in a vote.
In 1989, an advisory committee recommended retaining the Chippewa name provided that educational programs be developed in conjunction with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council to familiarize CMU students and staff with traditional Native American culture. Drumbeats and certain logos were eliminated, and in 1996, the action C was adopted as the primary CMU athletics logo.
TRADITION DAYS
The strong bond between the university and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is honored through Tradition Days, featuring annual tribal drum ceremonies at select football and basketball games, and university-wide celebrations like the Celebrating Life Pow Wow, Annual Diversity Symposium, and Get Acquainted Day.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe approved the Chippewa nickname. CMU uses it with honor and respect for the SCIT’s culture and heritage. Tradition Days foster that respect and education, while CMU supports and works with the SCIT on quality-of-life initiatives. Inclusiveness, respect, and compassion are core values at Central Michigan.
SCHOOL SONGS
The Fighting Chippewa, Central Michigan’s official fight song, is a musical tradition every student learns, along with the alma mater, which is played before kickoff. The catchy Fight Chippewa son was written in 1935 by Howdy Loomis.
Central Michigan University spotlights a cherished tradition each year with its annual Toilet Paper Toss Game, held during a designated men’s basketball contest. A time-honored Central Michigan tradition, the Toilet Paper Toss was brought back for the first time in 20 years on January 28, 2023, and has continued since.
At this time-honored and highly anticipated event, fans receive a roll of toilet paper, and at a predetermined time before the game, the crowd simultaneously throws its rolls onto the floor, creating a cascading spectacle for all to see. The event has also proved to be a success for the CMU men’s basketball team, as the Chippewas are undefeated in Toilet Paper Toss games.
The toilet paper toss tradition began at Central Michigan during the 1982-83 basketball season, with the first event occurring in early February 1983. The fad was short-lived but was brought back in 1986 by the athletic department. An iconic photograph during the February 18, 1987, game against Western Michigan, taken by CMU photographer Peggy Brisbane, was published in People Magazine.
During that time, Central Michigan's student section was known as the Snake Pit. During games, the student group sported maroon t-shirts depicting a snake logo. Legend has it that a rival coach referred to playing a game in the arena as being in a "snake pit,” and the name was subsequently adopted by the CMU student section.
CMU has since brought back the Snake Pit as the official name of the student section.
SNAKE PIT
The Snake Pit is Central Michigan University’s student cheering section, which supports all sports—most notably football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.
All CMU students can join the Snake Pit and attend all games for free with a Student Access Pass. Snake Pit fans, who often wear maroon and gold t-shirts, create an energetic atmosphere, form an enthusiastic fan base, and are “experts” at tossing toilet paper.
The Snake Pit name celebrates a Central Michigan tradition that began over 40 years ago. In the 1980s, CMU’s spirited student section adopted the name Snake Pit. During games, the group showed their pride by wearing maroon t-shirts with a striking snake logo. According to legend, Michigan State’s Jud Heathcote compared playing CMU in Rose Arena to a "snake pit,” inspiring the CMU students to adopt the name.
After several years, CMU has brought back the Snake Pit as the official student section name.
At several points in time, Central Michigan’s men’s basketball games were rated among the nation’s top college basketball atmospheres.
Discover the fun history of the Snake Pit and the Toilet Paper Toss tradition by clicking here.
Join us and follow the Snake Pit on Instagram using this link.
HOME FOOTBALL GAMES/TAILGATING
Student involvement is central to establishing and maintaining Chippewa football traditions, which are a foundation of campus culture and game day atmosphere.
Football games at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium are more than just a sporting event; on game days, the stadium becomes the focal point of campus activity, drawing in the greater Mount Pleasant community.
Tailgating energizes home games turning parking lots into lively maroon-and-gold scenes filled with food, drinks, music, and games. University groups host tailgate parties north of the stadium. Students gather on the south end, next to Kelly/Shorts’ massive state-of-the-art video scoreboard.
Game days provide nonstop excitement. The Chippewas compete on the field named after legendary coaches Roy Kramer and Herb Deromedi. Beside the rowdy student section in the east stands, the Chippewa Marching Band keeps the energy high.
A cherished tradition occurs after a victory at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, when team members join the band for a post-game celebration and lead the fight song, The Fighting Chippewa.
After a home win, CMU players celebrate with the band, leading the school fight song, The Fighting Chippewa, symbolizing unity and celebration.
WESTERN MICHIGAN RIVARLY/BATTLE FOR THE VICTORY CANNON TROPHY
The Central-Western rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college athletics. The two schools face off annually in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and in various other sports, such as gymnastics and volleyball, often with Mid-American Conference championships at stake.
The campuses in Mount Pleasant and Kalamazoo are separated by a mere 135 miles, and many students can claim lifelong friendships with those from “that other school.”
The annual winner of the CMU-WMU football game takes home the Victory Cannon Trophy, modeled after the game-day cannons at each stadium. The trophy stays with the winner until the next game.
HOMECOMING: A CMU TRADITION SINCE 1924
Homecoming Weekend, first celebrated on Nov. 22, 1924, is a cherished annual tradition, uniting CMU students, faculty, staff.
Homecoming features a parade through Mount Pleasant. Homecoming ambassadors—student leaders known for their campus involvement and for upholding the university’s values—are introduced on the field.
A grand marshal or marshals lead the parade each year. They are chosen for their contributions to the CMU community. Past marshals include presidents, championship team members, standout athletes, and similar figures.
FIRE UP CHIPS
“Fire Up Chips” is Central Michigan’s tradition-filled rallying cry and greeting, inspiring pride on campus and for the university. This spirited greeting inspires confidence and a sense of belonging, echoing from the athletic fields to classrooms and everywhere else, making every moment feel special.
The phrase has become embedded in the CMU community. When wearing maroon and gold or the action “C” anywhere, expect to hear a ‘Fire Up Chips!’—often followed by a smile, a wave, or a handshake, welcoming you as part of the CMU family.
According to CMU historical records, the “Fire Up Chips” phrase was first coined by the women of Calkins Hall in 1967.
THE CHIPPEWA NAME
The Chippewa nickname is a tradition rooted in Native American history in the Mid-Michigan region symbolizes CMU’s strong bond with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
CMU athletic teams were formerly the Dragons, then the Bearcats. In 1941, then assistant football coach Lawrence ‘Doc’ Sweeney suggested that the nickname Chippewas was a much more appropriate one, given the geographic tie-in to the Native American tribe, the Chippewa River, and the lore and tradition of the area. The idea gained support received administrative support and was overwhelmingly adopted by the student body in a vote.
In 1989, an advisory committee recommended retaining the Chippewa name provided that educational programs be developed in conjunction with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council to familiarize CMU students and staff with traditional Native American culture. Drumbeats and certain logos were eliminated, and in 1996, the action C was adopted as the primary CMU athletics logo.
TRADITION DAYS
The strong bond between the university and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is honored through Tradition Days, featuring annual tribal drum ceremonies at select football and basketball games, and university-wide celebrations like the Celebrating Life Pow Wow, Annual Diversity Symposium, and Get Acquainted Day.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe approved the Chippewa nickname. CMU uses it with honor and respect for the SCIT’s culture and heritage. Tradition Days foster that respect and education, while CMU supports and works with the SCIT on quality-of-life initiatives. Inclusiveness, respect, and compassion are core values at Central Michigan.
SCHOOL SONGS
The Fighting Chippewa, Central Michigan’s official fight song, is a musical tradition every student learns, along with the alma mater, which is played before kickoff. The catchy Fight Chippewa son was written in 1935 by Howdy Loomis.