Well this isn’t the easiest post I have ever written, but certainly one of the most interesting. I have discovered the power of the college mascot in my research and whilst I have listed what I have discovered below, I would like to point out that the list represents a purely alphabetical account of college mascots of America. I have in no way tried to score or represent any of those mascots, as I have learnt how passionate you all are about them.
So, the most famous mascots all listed in alphabetical order below.
Bevo (Long Horn) - University of Texas
The legend says that in 1916, in retaliation over a humiliating loss to Texas, Texas A&M branded a Texas Longhorn steer with 13-0. Ouch!
Cam the Ram - Colorado State
In 1947, the students at Colorado State, known at that time as the Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College, voted on a permanent mascot. They chose the Rambouillet Ram as the official mascot. The name CAM represented "Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical."
Handsome Dan (Bulldog) - Yale
The longest ongoing mascot tradition is held by Yale, their bulldog tradition spans over 115 years and 15 previous bulldogs.
Jack, English bulldog - Georgetown
In 1962, "Jack" and the breed of English bulldog was formally adopted the official mascot of Georgetown. Come on England! (Oops).
Joy and Lady (Bears) - Baylor University
Baylor has historically been drawn towards the "bear" mascot; the most infamous was Joe College, who came to Baylor through the work of a student, Bill Boyd. Boyd had purchased the bear from a Texas zoo that went broke. He went on to negotiate free tuition with Baylor's president in return offering to look after the bear! Amazingly, the president accepted the offer and the tradition of live bears as mascots has continued since. Only in America folks!
Nova & Spirit, Eagles - Auburn University
Auburn's well known for its battle cry "War Eagle" and there mascot true to form is a live eagle. At every home football game, an eagle is released into free flight from the upper deck of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Supported by cheers from the crowd shouting; 'War Eagle'. Nova (Golden Eagle) and Spirit (Bald Eagle) became the latest mascots after tiger retired in 2006.
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Ralphie (Buffalo) - University of Colorado
Ralphie is a lady but not one you’d want around the house. Weighing in at well over 1000lb this buffalo can reach speeds of 20-25mph!!
Rameses (Ram) - University of North Carolina
In 1922 the fullback Jack Merritt had become known locally as the battering ram. It seemed logical when it came to choosing their mascot that a ram should symbolise the ethos of the team.
Smokey (Blue tick hound) - University of Tennessee
In 1953, students aired their desire to select a live mascot. In 1953 they held a mascot selection contest and selected a coonhound, a native breed of the state to represent the school. Announcements of the contest in local newspapers read, “This can’t be an ordinary hound. He must be a ‘Hound Dog’ in the best sense of the word.”
Tusk (Russian Boar) - University of Arkansas
The live boar mascot tradition dates back to the 1960s. Tusk, a Russian boar (380 lbs.) that closely resembles a wild razorback hog, is the official live mascot. He lives locally but is well travelled and leaves home regularly to represent the team at all Arkansas home games.
Uga (Bulldog) - University of Georgia
UGA was once responsible for attacking a player during a game. Let that be a warning to competitors playing against the University of Georgia! This mascot has also attended the Heisman Award ceremonies. Hershel Walker is reported as saying UGA looked better in 5a tux than he did. UGA was also Sport Illustrated’s number 1 mascot.
So, there you go mascot fans and my apologies go out to those mascots that may have been omitted; perhaps you could add them in to the comments so that we can amend the list in any future associated blog.
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