What Does Ski-U-Mah Mean? Learn About PJ Fleck’s New Favorite Phrase
Western Michigan University Bronco fans are very accustomed to hearing former coach PJ Fleck and his 'Row the Boat' mantra. But after being introduced as the new coach at Minnesota, the rallying cry is now Ski-U-Mah. So what exactly does that mean?
Fleck has used the phrase multiple times during his first day as the Golden Gophers head coach. First after landing in Minnesota and again during his introductory press conference.
According to Wikipedia, the phrase has been associated with the University of Minnesota since 1884:
U of M Rugby captain John Adams had heard Sioux boys yell "ski-yoo!" when they won canoe races on Lake Pepin. He incorrectly interpreted that phrase as the Sioux word for victory, or exultation and suggested it as a cheer for the University rugby team. A co-captain added the "mah" to make it rhyme with "rah" and created "Ski-U-Mah!" The slogan has been used to cheer on the Minnesota Golden Gophers athletics teams.
Should Fleck not be able to work out an agreement with his former employer Western Michigan University over the rights to the phrase Row the Boat, there's a new catchphrase ready to go in Minneapolis.