Whether you are a fan of the Lions, Tigers, and Bears or the Ravens, Timberwolves, or Rays, I want to hear about your experience and understanding of what your favorite (or least favorite) non-human, animal mascot/team nickname means to you.
In order for me to write this paper for class, here's what I need:
- Team/Mascot and City, Sport
- What you think your mascot represents as far as the fans/players, sport, and general qualities
- Why you think your mascot is unique or has an impact on how people perceive the team and the city it represents
- Anything else you feel is important in this conversation
It would also help if you could leave your: (OPTIONAL)
- Name, Age, Location, and Gender
- Email contact information if you would like me to follow up on this conversation
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Team: Arkansas Razorbacks. Fayetteville, Arkansas. All sports.
ReplyDeleteThe Razorbacks represent: the viciousness and willingness to fight 'til the end, since the razorback is an extremely vicious wild hog that will destroy anything in its way when irritated. Many times the Razorbacks have rallied to victory over the heavy favorite as underdogs, because of their determination to never quit. (best examples being 2007 against LSU in football and 2009 against Virginia in baseball).
The Razorbacks are unique because: it used to be native to the state of Arkansas and there is only one school in the entire NCAA that has a wild hog as a mascot. For the fans, it's something that ties the entire state together, it's something that represents the state as a whole and not just one certain part. When someone mentions the Tigers, many times they need to clarify whether they meant LSU, Auburn, or Missouri. But when someone mentions the Razorbacks, it's automatically associated with Arkansas.
Any other important things: we have a live mascot that goes to every football game!
My email is: tsunade101@yahoo.com
Nothing is a bigger turn-off than cartoon mascots, especially non-existent creatures. If it looks like some sort of Tele-tubby why is it roaming around the stands during a sporting event? I go to games to see sports and enjoy competition and yelling, not to see Barney walking around like an idiot. Additionally why does a team that has a perfectly good name, stoop to have an unrelated, questionably identifiable creature represent them? Too many women or drunk guys in the marketing offices? I have no idea, it has never made any sense to me.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note perhaps there are too many teams and as such many have sunk choosing intangible mascots/names. How do you get excited about being a "talon"--the bird equivalent of a toe-nail? And what does a "thunder" look like?
Rachel, 27
Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Texas, Football
ReplyDeleteI think all of the questions can be best answered with 2 words. Brand Recognition.
The mascot, is THE face of the organization. It is what ties an entire community to a team. In fact, I would wager that the mascot actually helps create the sense of community through brand recognition.
It represents all those who have worked in the organization before the current group, both administration and players. It represents the fans who, regardless of WHERE their road has taken them - are still loyal supporters. It represents the "wild west" and the traditional volatility within a team environment, the sharp shooters, the supporting cast - even the idea that after a win we all ride off into the sunset together.
The fact that, though reinvented, the five point star has been THE image for the entire life to date of the organization, supports my idea that the Dallas Cowboys have probably done the best job of creating "brand recognition" across the board. At this point, the white star with a navy border doesn't even need words, nationwide, it is recognized as "DC"- even if you aren't a fan.
The perception is tricky, since each community will have a different way of thinking, different priorities and therefore a different outlook. A community like Green Bay, where the citizens own the team has a different perception that Dallas, a vain community that can't fail, not the town, not the team - they won't have less than the best, players, fields, rumors, etc. They WILL come out on top, which is part of the overall perception that must be played/marketed to. I think they have been the most successful when the perception = "The Good Guys" - in old westerns, the guy with the five point star on his chest (helmet) was the "good guy" - the one in white, the one that saved the day. QB is a role that in every football team is vital, but nowhere more so than the DC- the leadership of that team won't let very many "bad games" slide before "there's a new sheriff" in town. This ties directly to the sense of community, review the earlier comments about "Dallas". If you're gonna wear that star, by golly you're gonna perform like one.
I think the location as well as the competition level are all major parts of this discussion. Obviously, East Coast, West coast, and mid-west are all going to have different ideas on a variety of subjects based on their current priorities. Same with high school, college, and professional sports. At one level, you're providing something that is required, at college it's a recruitment tool, professional sports are solely revenue driven. Often times the mascot or marketing thereof is going to reflect the goal of the administration.
I think the marketing of said mascot should also be investigated. Is the perception of the mascot within the community the same perception that the team is paying to have marketed? to Whom is the marketing targeted? The perception will change depending on the recipient (think demographic breakdown, 1-18, 18-25, 25-35, etc)
Just some thoughts - would love to discuss more.
Rachael Brozovich Geiger, F, 25, Shawnee, OK (Displaced Texan :-)
rgeiger2010@gmail.com
Team: Oregon State Beavers, Corvallis, Oregon. All sports, but let's be honest, mainly football.
ReplyDeleteTo the beaver community, the beaver represents unity and togetherness, this is why we call it "Beaver Nation". Like the razorback, as previously mentioned, there are no other teams in the NCAA or professional sports team with our mascot, and I think that's really important. We see the beaver as a symbol of power and strength but without being arrogant and cocky. The beaver builds his dam because its his job, he doesn't do it to piss others off...well maybe a little. :)
The beaver is also the state animal for Oregon which makes it that much more unifying. Its like every point scored is a point for Oregon! There are lots of sports fans, but none like those in the beaver community. We wear our Orange and Black proudly.
Nicole Fagan, 19, corvegas, Oregon, F.
Nikniky@aol.com
Oregon State Beavers, Corvallis. Mostly football.
ReplyDeleteThe Beaver represents the OSU community. We call ourselves "Beavers" and encourage our children to wear clothing sporting an OSU Beaver illustration. We even put down the duck as an animal because it is our rival. That animal represents the enemy, so to speak.
I'm not sure how our mascot is unique compared to others. I guess since it is a river animal, that speaks to our Pacific Northwest location.
Heather, 27, Albany, OR, F
(Not really sure this answers your questions...)
ReplyDeleteHaving been a Hilltopper... whatever that is, I can't say I ever thought about these things because the idea of our mascot being a man who stands on top of a hill (with possibly one breast) was weird. (needless to say, I was not proud to announce that I was a hilltopper... in fact I do remember being embarassed of our "mascot") That may have ruined mascots for me for life... but I will try with college too.
NAU is the lumberjacks, again a person- local to the area. I think we thought we were tough and scruffy and able to breath at high altitude well. I know we hoped that our oppenants thought they were going to be up against 20 foot lumberjacks (as represented outside our dome by a gigantic lumberjack statue).
UNM is of course the lobo! This would be my favorite mascot. It's an animal, which i think better represents a large population rather than a person. The name Lobo, not wolf, represents local spanish heritage. And lobos are a cool looking fierce, pack-minded creature- all good sports analogies.
Using the spanish word for wolf might be unique to UNM?? I have no idea!
Before I saw that you wanted actual thoughts on specific mascots, I got to thinking about how people choose a mascot- I had never thought of this before but I decided that something local to represent the area and definitely an animal were musts. I had another tidbit... but have lost it! I'll let you know if it comes back to me.
Megan FOX :) 27
Oregon State Beavers - Corvallis OR - Football, Basketball, Baseball.
ReplyDeleteThe Beaver mascot represents hard work and a no nonsense style. Corvallis is a small town that is often overlooked at first glance. The Beaver is a small animal that is often overlooked at first glance, that is until it chops down a tree with its teeth or builds a dam in a river. The mascot is a perfect fit because the teams are often overlooked at first glance until you look at their performances (recent national championships is baseball, football in top 3 of PAC10 over the last 10 years, basketball a top 10 program all through the 1980's).
The Beaver goes about his business without the ferociousness or power that other animals have (lions, sharks, bears, etc.). The OSU Beavers go about their business without the media spotlight and huge budgets that other schools have. However, both Beavers still get the job done.
The state animal is the Beaver and it represents the state well when ever the OSU Beavers take the field. I don't know of any other sports team with a Beaver mascot so it is certainly unique!
Jared, 33, Salem, M
Well in highschool my Mascot was an Eagle.
ReplyDeleteBeing an Eagle brought a pride beyond our school but also for our nation. Competively it was a perfect match because we "soared and conquered" over many teams; at least that's what we would hope for. Valley View is now one of the older schools in Moreno Valley, CA so many school look up to them. My highschool at the time always honored National moments from U.S History more so than any other school in the city so having an Eagle as a Mascot was appropiate.
Having a symbol of something gives you hope and puts what you are standing for into perspective. Our nation has given all 50 states a bird, a flower, a mammal, and so forth. Therefore many people have just been drawn to having their territories, sports, even business' marked by some type of "Mascot"
Shahida Hanson, 24, Moreno Valley, CA
I went to Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, CA.
Cleveland Browns, NFL, Cleveland, Ohio!
ReplyDeleteThe Dawg mascot in Cleveland started when Hanford Dixon starting barking with teamates in the end zone which fans heard and started a bark chant in the stands! The Dawg pound represents the loyal fans in Cleveland. A Dawg is a loyal creature just like the fans that pack the stadium loosing season after loosing season!
Tim Sinclair, Prescott Valley, AZ
I'm going to go with my favorite city here. The city of Denver Colorado. I stick by my Denver Pro teams, through thick and thin. And in Denver, just like the air, there has been lots 'o thin. Anyway, I digress.
ReplyDeleteThe Colorado Rockies. The Rocky Mountains are inanimate objects, yet when I look out my window and see these monsters I can't help but feel small. The power it took to create such a thing is awe inspiring. I can only imagine how opposing teams feel when they fly into Denver to face the team that has their name sake. Then again, in their division they do have the “Padres” who might understand divine creation....
Denver also has great skiing and rafting. Adrenaline junkies can’t get enough of hitting the slopes, or risking their life on the river. Go to any ski resort, and you will see the signs warning you of the dangers of an avalanche. The crushing power of an avalanche could kill someone in seconds. The NHL “Avalanche” do this every year when they extinguish the “Flames” out in the “Wild.”
Not to be out done by its frozen brother, the avalanche, Colorado’s rapids are some of the best in the world. I have never had a bigger rush than attacking a class 5 rapid head on and living to tell about it. The same can be felt when watching the beautiful game at a mile high above sea level. I love to see our bitter rivals “Real Salt Lake” drown after the “Rapids” roll them over.
The bronco, also called a bronc, is a horse who has never been broken or tamed for use. Something of a wild card, something you would never expect. This is the life of a “Broncos” fan. You never really know what to expect. There has been back to back Super-bowls, and years that we chalk up to rebuilding. But throughout all that, Denver sticks by the “Broncos.” The Broncos last non-sellout game was back in 1969. This season begins the 4th decade of all out devotion to the ol’ orange crush. Speaking of which, I am getting a little thirsty.... Maybe I’ll head down to the Pepsi center and watch some round ball.
Before playing in the NBA, the “Denver Rockets” of the ABA were known to tear it up. But with the merger of the ABA and the NBA, the “Rockets” had to choose a new name. After a contest to pick the new name for this new NBA franchise, the city of Denver chose....Drumroll please..... The “Nuggets.” Really?? Bring back the Denver city skyline jerseys and I might feel better. Bring back that crazy looking miner with the ABA ball in his hands. But whatever you do, don’t call them the miners. That is unless you want to be known as the worst basketball team in all the land. A team I might hate more than Satan himself. The University of Texas Miners. But that is for another time...
Kevin, 27, Denver Colorado.
I'll go with the Portland Trail Blazers.
ReplyDeleteConfusingly, the mascot is Blaze the cat. If they were going to go with a more "domestic" animal, I would have thought that a dog would be the obvious choice, because how is a cat going to help you out if you are on the Oregon Trail? I don't think it is a unique mascot, just an overall bad choice. I would like to see the Blazers do something like the West Virginia Mountaineers and hold tryouts each year for the the most rugged looking guy (or gal as I believe that WVU has had a lady mountaineer before).
And since there are only beaver comments on here, I will also go with the Ducks. Not only do they look hilarious when they go upside down with their head under water and their feet sticking out, but it is also conceivable that a duck could place a well-aimed bowel movement on a beaver whereas the other way around seems highly unlikely.
Simon, 23, SLC, UT (lost Oregonian)
slogancurrie@hotmail.com
Definitely "Go", the Phoenix Suns Gorilla for me.
ReplyDeleteI always thought it made no since to have a gorilla as a mascot in the desert state. Come to find out the original choice for a mascot was a Sunflower. If that would have played out, I would be writing to explain why the sunflower would be my worst mascot.
I always remember going to games with my dad and when Go would come out the roof almost blew off of that building. He could build those Suns fans up regardless of the score of the game. I truly think the true fans of the Suns understand what he means to that city.
The dunks he would do off of the trampoline really makes it look like a slam-dunk contest. He is able to encompass the whole game of basketball and thrill the crowd in a matter of minutes with a show and hypes up the crowd for the next period no matter the scoreboard.
He is one of few mascots in the mascot hall of fame.
http://www.mascothalloffame.com/virtual/hall/
There is something to be said for that.He is also well educated as he went to Hairy Truman high school in "Mon-key West, Florida" and "Fur-man University"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Suns
I was also directly influenced by the gorilla when I was a kid because I was enrolled in a "Hoop-marks" program. The more books I would read then I got more and more bookmarks with the players of that year on them. That was a program that really drove me to read.
So I firmly believe gorillas can successfully live and thrive in Arizona.
Matt Robinson
27 years old
Male
Class of 2001
Bradshaw Mountain High
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Living in the southwest Florida region, this is rather interesting as the Rays just recently changed their name from the Devilrays. The funny thing is they went from an animal mascot to something more intangible like sunlight. The Devilray emblem stayed on the uniform for one year after the name change and now it's gone.
ReplyDeleteWhat does this mean? Absolutely nothing to me. I'm a huge sports fan, but never really cared or chose my teams based on the mascot. In my life I've been a fan of the Oilers, Bengals, Texans, Astros, Rays, Dolphins, Tarpons, Tigers, Spurs, Rockets, Red Raiders, Bears, Cougars, and Longhorns. I never stopped to think what those mascots stood for.
In the case of the Longhorn, I suppose it's a symbol of majesty and strength in the state of Texas. I mean, that's what I would assume from the outside looking in, but could it be that some if not all of these mascots were chosen because they just sounded/looked cool?
Arizona Cardinals, Big Red, Phoenix, NFL
ReplyDeleteHatched: Oct. 4th, 1998
Where as most birds crack open their egg and end up in the nest, He bursted out of his egg only to be at the 50 yard line surrounded by 50,000 screaming fans! Sparky (ASU) and the Gorilla (Suns) were there to meet him at birth and they were quick to show him a thing or two.
I Have been a fan of the Cardinals since they arrived here from St. Louis in 1988. It was the coolest thing in the world to have a NFL team in my home town. Which means I have been though rough times. However when Big Red came long it made the losing seasons not so bad.
Big Red really knows how to get the fans going!
Off the field Big Red makes personal appearances year round at schools, hospitals, parades, and charitable events. He represents the team very well where ever he goes he creates new fans long the way. As far as being unique well he is a giant bird and in the NFL that is pretty common, I believe it is what does on and off the field that makes this football throwing bird stand out the most.
Go Cards!
JT
Auburn University "Tigers" - football, mainly. Auburn, Alabama. Mascot is a friendly-looking tiger named "Aubie", who is pretty popular among college mascots if one can believe the alumni magazine. This is a "human-in-a-costume" mascot so I am not sure how this fits your "non-human" requirement.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the "tiger" is a very common mascot for sports teams, maybe the most common, along with "eagles" - which brings me to my next comment.
Our situation is somewhat unique because we have another mascot - a golden eagle, that is a live mascot (it really is an eagle). Our rally-cry is "War Eagle" which is interesting to google. So we rarely talk about tigers at all - we just walk around shouting "War Eagle" at each other and the opposition and during kick-offs ... you get the picture.
The tiger is a good name for a sports team because it is at the top of the food chain. And it is politically-neutral unlike other names that are taking heat these days. I personally like nicknames/mascots that are unique to a part of the country - such as rebels, yankees, razorbacks, mountaineers, volunteers, commodores, beavers, longhorns, lumberjacks, etc. Are banana-slugs really indigenous to Santa Cruz? I'm not sure it really matters to them.
WAR EAGLE!!!
Mike McLean
AU Class of '82
Albuquerque, NM