[stupac2]

[quote author=stupac2 link=topic=16257.msg182128#msg182128 date=1481410784]

Sure, but in the context of Stanford sports the tree isn't El Palo Alto, it's the band's mascot.

so you think if the tree hadn't been part of the University's identity that it would still have been adopted by the band?
[/quote]

No, of course not. But the fact that it's on the university seal isn't what makes it an icon of Stanford. If it weren't on the seal the band wouldn't have adopted it, but if the band didn't adopt it, it wouldn't have become the symbol of Stanford sports.

[stupac2]

[quote author=stupac2 link=topic=16257.msg182128#msg182128 date=1481410784]

Sure, but in the context of Stanford sports the tree isn't El Palo Alto, it's the band's mascot.

so you think if the tree hadn't been part of the University's identity that it would still have been adopted by the band?
[/quote]

No, of course not. But the fact that it's on the university seal isn't what makes it an icon of Stanford. If it weren't on the seal the band wouldn't have adopted it, but if the band didn't adopt it, it wouldn't have become the symbol of Stanford sports.