Miami’s Last Bird Before the Storm,
and the First Back After It
Miami, FL · Various Sports
★Mascot Hall of Fame — Class of 2025
| Team / Organization | University of Miami Hurricanes |
|---|---|
| Location | Miami, FL |
| League / Division | NCAA (ACC) |
| First Debuted | 1957 (homecoming entry); first costumed game appearance 1958 |
| Species / Type | American white ibis (anthropomorphic) |
| Best Known For | Famous fire extinguisher prank at Florida State; iconic C-A-N-E-S spell-out cheer; symbol of Miami’s resilience; multiple national championship celebrations |
| Year Inducted | 2025 |
Profile
The ibis was chosen as Miami’s unofficial symbol in 1926 because of Florida folklore: the ibis is the last bird to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear after the storm. Sebastian gained national notoriety in 1989 when he showed up at Florida State’s stadium in a fireman’s helmet with a fire extinguisher to put out Chief Osceola’s flaming spear — and was promptly tackled by police officers.
Fun Facts
- Sebastian was originally nicknamed ‘Icky’ by student John Stormont, who assembled the first costume in 1958 from Armalite insulation and terry cloth at a total cost of about $30.
- On October 28, 1989, Sebastian appeared at Florida State wearing a fireman’s helmet and yellow rain jacket, attempting to extinguish FSU’s ceremonial flaming spear — and was tackled by Florida State police officers in one of the most legendary moments in college mascot history.
- Current Sebastian performers keep their identities secret until graduation, at which point they reveal themselves by wearing the mascot’s feet to their commencement ceremony — a beloved Miami tradition.
