[Spiny_Norman]

[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.

[Spiny_Norman]

[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.