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History behind Pac12 team names - TreesAndBirds - 10-15-2017

Leaves out Bands connection to Tree.
Suggests that Trojans name came from a Stanford game.


https://www.ralphiereport.com/2017/10/14/16456696/golden-bears-wildcats-pac-12-team-names-college-football?ref=yfp

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - BostonCard - 10-15-2017

We should have signs saying “beat the Blue Dodgers” when UW comes.

BC

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - hayaka - 10-15-2017

You would think an article devoted entirely to the origin of nicknames would devote or sentence or two to where the "Stanford Tree" comes from, especially given that it is now more or less an official symbol of the university, e.g. on the player's helmets, etc.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - CompSci87 - 10-15-2017

(10-15-2017, 10:39 AM)hayaka link Wrote:You would think an article devoted entirely to the origin of nicknames would devote or sentence or two to where the "Stanford Tree" comes from, especially given that it is now more or less an official symbol of the university, e.g. on the player's helmets, etc.

Yes, the article has quite a non sequitur instead. It carefully explains where Cardinal came from,  then says that's why there is a tree roaming the sidelines. Say what?

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - 82lsju - 10-15-2017

some more on the history for Stanford here

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/2013/4/17/208445366.aspx

and from the Daily archives

from 1975

Voters axe Indian mascot; Robber Barons selected

Students resoundingly defeated the Stanford Indian as a school mascot in the special referendum held yesterday and Wednesday. Of the 2770 students voting, preliminary results show only 855 (30.87 percent) supported the Indian, while 1915 (69.13 percent) were opposed. As a replacement, the name Robber Barons received the most first and second place votes (1664), followed closely bv Sequoias (1598) and Trees (1530). The present symbol, Cardinals, came in fourth (1309), while Railroaders, Spikes and Huns all finished well below the top four choices.

http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19751205-01.2.2&srpos=3&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-robber+and+baron+and+vote------

from 1981

Students vote to accept Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal, garnering 970 votes in the mascot referendum, will be the ASSU's recommendation to the University's mascot committee, according to Mariann Byerwalter, Council of Presidents (COP) representative to the committee. The second choice of voters was the tree, with 826 votes, and third choice was the gryphon, with 655 votes. The leading write-in was the robber baron with 310 votes. Next was the Indian with 82 votes

http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19811030-01.2.5&srpos=4&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-robber+and+baron+and+vote------



Re: History behind Pac12 team names - Spiny_Norman - 10-15-2017

I think it is worth noting that Stanford has been the Cardinal now nearly as long (35+ years) as it was the Indians (~40 years).

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - JJJ - 10-15-2017

(10-15-2017, 03:52 PM)eric link Wrote:some more on the history for Stanford here

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/2013/4/17/208445366.aspx

and from the Daily archives

from 1975

Voters axe Indian mascot; Robber Barons selected

Students resoundingly defeated the Stanford Indian as a school mascot in the special referendum held yesterday and Wednesday. Of the 2770 students voting, preliminary results show only 855 (30.87 percent) supported the Indian, while 1915 (69.13 percent) were opposed. As a replacement, the name Robber Barons received the most first and second place votes (1664), followed closely bv Sequoias (1598) and Trees (1530). The present symbol, Cardinals, came in fourth (1309), while Railroaders, Spikes and Huns all finished well below the top four choices.

http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19751205-01.2.2&srpos=3&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-robber+and+baron+and+vote------

from 1981

Students vote to accept Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal, garnering 970 votes in the mascot referendum, will be the ASSU's recommendation to the University's mascot committee, according to Mariann Byerwalter, Council of Presidents (COP) representative to the committee. The second choice of voters was the tree, with 826 votes, and third choice was the gryphon, with 655 votes. The leading write-in was the robber baron with 310 votes. Next was the Indian with 82 votes

http://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19811030-01.2.5&srpos=4&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-robber+and+baron+and+vote------
I remember the back page of the Daily:
Quote: The search for a mascot began in 1972 when then - President Richard

Lyman officially abolished the Indian as the University's mascot after Native American students complained. A mascot committee chose "Thunderchicken" as the new mascot, but the choice was quickly renounced. Lyman instated Cardinal, Stanford's color, as the University symbol. Various referendums have surfaced over the years and each has had a different winner. Groups have pushed for their own favorites — the band has supported the tree, athletes have sought the gryphon and alumni have foughtto bring back Indians. Some interesting mascot choices of this election were the medflies, the red Kennedies, rhino of Vegas showgirl, tentacle man, the shopping centers, no mascots, and the lemmings.


Re: History behind Pac12 team names - martyup - 10-15-2017

I was an ASSU Senator in 1981.  I recall that most of the athletes supported the Gryphons.  It might have been because of the Gryphon statues in front of the Athletic Department.  There was a strong counterculture attitude among the student body that wanted a self deprecating mascot.  I don't think Kennedy would have approved such a mascot (e.g., Robber Barons), even if it garnered the most student support.  However, most students were pretty complacent about the issue. 

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - 82lsju - 10-15-2017

(10-15-2017, 08:20 PM)martyup link Wrote:I was an ASSU Senator in 1981.  I recall that most of the athletes supported the Gryphons.  It might have been because of the Gryphon statues in front of the Athletic Department.  There was a strong counterculture attitude among the student body that wanted a self deprecating mascot.  I don't think Kennedy would have approved such a mascot (e.g., Robber Barons), even if it garnered the most student support.  However, most students were pretty complacent about the issue.

In 1978, another group comprised of 225 varsity athletes from 18 teams, started a petition for the mascot to be the griffin – a mythological animal with the body and hind legs of a lion and head and wings of an eagle. The University moved two griffin statues from the Children’s Hospital to a grassy area between Encina Gym and Angel Field. The campaign for the Griffins failed.

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/2013/4/17/208445366.aspx

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - Treebound - 10-16-2017

Thanks for the history Martyup. 

I have always wondered where those two Gryphon statues went after they put in "Near-iallga" gym. 

Perhaps you can shine some light on another rumor: we heard in 1982 (as freshmen) that "Steaming Manhole Covers" was also in the running for mascot. 

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - martyup - 10-16-2017

(10-16-2017, 08:33 AM)Treebound link Wrote:Thanks for the history Martyup. 

I have always wondered where those two Gryphon statues went after they put in "Near-iallga" gym. 

Perhaps you can shine some light on another rumor: we heard in 1982 (as freshmen) that "Steaming Manhole Covers" was also in the running for mascot.

I seem to recall that name.  There were several disrespectful mascot names floating around.  I always thought that the choice of Cardinal was a cop out.  There were an equal or greater number of students that wanted a weak humorous self deprecating mascot name as those who wanted a strong majestic mascot name.  The students that wanted a joke mascot were not into athletics, and were even hostile to competitive sports.  The ones that would be out there shedding blood, sweat, and tears for their school, themselves, and their teammates didn't want to do it as a Banana Slug or similar moniker. 

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - Spiny_Norman - 10-16-2017

(10-16-2017, 09:37 AM)martyup link Wrote:[quote author=Treebound link=topic=17703.msg206748#msg206748 date=1508168032]
Thanks for the history Martyup. 

I have always wondered where those two Gryphon statues went after they put in "Near-iallga" gym. 

Perhaps you can shine some light on another rumor: we heard in 1982 (as freshmen) that "Steaming Manhole Covers" was also in the running for mascot.

I seem to recall that name.  There were several disrespectful mascot names floating around.  I always thought that the choice of Cardinal was a cop out.  There were an equal or greater number of students that wanted a weak humorous self deprecating mascot name as those who wanted a strong majestic mascot name.  The students that wanted a joke mascot were not into athletics, and were even hostile to competitive sports.  The ones that would be out there shedding blood, sweat, and tears for their school, themselves, and their teammates didn't want to do it as a Banana Slug or similar moniker.
[/quote]

How would you have felt about Thunder Chickens?  Because that is what I voted for.

Cardinal was a compromise. As you saw from the votes, there was no consensus on any of the choices.  The only choice (not on the official ballot) that generated any strong feelings was Indians which got a push from some alumni.  There may have been a confrontation between Timm Williams who played Chief Lightfoot and stadium security who were told not to allow him into the football games. But the campus was pretty well united against Indians. It got very little support among the students.

My objection to Cardinal was that it seemed like an Ivy League "us-too" mascot.  Harvard Crimson, Dartmouth Big Green, Cornell Big Red.  Stanford Cardinal.  But that concern has faded away over time. I am all-in for Cardinal now.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - Hurlburt88 - 10-16-2017

Martyup

Do you consider Robber Barrons a weak humorous self-deprecating mascot or a strong humorous...

Just curious.  I always like both that and the Gryphons although Cardinal has grown on me. 

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - SF_Cardinal_Fan - 10-16-2017

I read the linked article, however still do not understand the meaning and, or, significance of the Tree.


Re: History behind Pac12 team names - Griffins78 - 10-16-2017

I was one of those voting for the Griffins in 1978...

(10-15-2017, 08:41 PM)eric link Wrote:[quote author=martyup link=topic=17703.msg206707#msg206707 date=1508124056]
I was an ASSU Senator in 1981.  I recall that most of the athletes supported the Gryphons.  It might have been because of the Gryphon statues in front of the Athletic Department.  There was a strong counterculture attitude among the student body that wanted a self deprecating mascot.  I don't think Kennedy would have approved such a mascot (e.g., Robber Barons), even if it garnered the most student support.  However, most students were pretty complacent about the issue.

In 1978, another group comprised of 225 varsity athletes from 18 teams, started a petition for the mascot to be the griffin – a mythological animal with the body and hind legs of a lion and head and wings of an eagle. The University moved two griffin statues from the Children’s Hospital to a grassy area between Encina Gym and Angel Field. The campaign for the Griffins failed.

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/2013/4/17/208445366.aspx
[/quote]

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - CTcard - 10-16-2017

(10-16-2017, 11:10 AM)SF_Cardinal_Fan link Wrote:I read the linked article, however still do not understand the meaning and, or, significance of the Tree.

Short Form.

Stanford University was built on the site of the Stanford farm at El Palo Alto, a large redwood tree that was a landmark on the old spanish trail (Embarcadero Real).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Palo_Alto

In the 1970s Stanford stopped using the Indian mascot.
Some choices for a new mascot included The Trees and The Sequioas. Neither was adopted by the administration. The two, conjoined, were adopted by the band.

Now, the tree is still not an official mascot, but is ubiquitous at Stanford sporting events and with the band.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - CompSci87 - 10-16-2017

(10-16-2017, 11:10 AM)SF_Cardinal_Fan link Wrote:I read the linked article, however still do not understand the meaning and, or, significance of the Tree.

Not surprising, as the article doesn't tell you that.

The Tree loosely represents El Palo Alto, the "tall tree" for which Palo Alto is named.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - TreesAndBirds - 10-16-2017

The Tree is great. Historical without being divisive. Majestic without being violent. Unique but easily understood. Fits well with the Nerd Nation slogan. Football has shown its support by putting it on the helmet, and while the Block S is classy, the Block S with the tree is classy and distinguishes us. Thanks to the Band.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - CornFed - 10-16-2017

I would have been very happy using Thunder Chickens.  The reference to a legendary football unit connotes intensity of purpose and  excellence to me. Further, it simplifies references to our distaff athletes, as exemplified by our honorable CardBoard contributor.

However, I would confess that I have a weakness for the name Robber Barons.  I recognize the underlying self-deprecation, but it might pre-empt our critics using Leland's notoriety in their efforts to insult our founder.  But mostly, it just tickles my innards to picture the Parker Bros. Monopoly Man as our sideline mascot.

Re: History behind Pac12 team names - cctop - 10-16-2017

I came along long after the fabled Mascot Wars were fought so I like to think I'm fairly impartial.  Here's what I'd vote for in order:

Robber Barons -- Love this one.  Totally have a Monopoly guy with a giant head and a monocle.  Embrace the Stanford legacy.
Griffin -- have zero attachment to this one but it's better than the proposed alternatives.  I'd prefer to spell it "gryphon"
Cardinal/Tree -- I'd prefer to have a mascot that was more animate.  The idea of an anti-mascot was funnier when I was younger.
Steaming Manhole Covers -- totally would've voted for this as an undergrad.  Glad it wasn't selected.
Thunderchickens -- If you were a fan in the early 1970's I'm sure it seems like a great choice.  To everyone else it's a "you had to be there" type of thing.  If we're going to make a mascot out of a historical reference I'd go for the Vow Boys.
Indians -- no comment.