Mascots and Nicknames

 A funny thing happened on the way to college. 

Our second grandson, Jax, who is destined for higher education declared his future school of study yesterday. We are very excited for him and I am not going to steal the joy of the announcement except to say that Chris and I are thrilled for him and shocked because we did not even think the school he chose was on the list. 

Here's the thing. His choice got me thinking about mascots. 

Mascots are a part of our lives we often do not consider. 

I was a Fighting Ibis and a Saltine Warrior during my college career. Yea, I changed colleges.

My favorite sports teams mascots are Pittsburgh Pete, Poe, Gunnersaurus Rex, and the Orioles Bird. 

I have cheered for teams with mascots like Sammy the Sea Gull, Rocky the Pride, Testudo, Skunk, and Hairy Dawg. And there is a new one coming--which I will not name.

And then there are the team nicknames: Hurricanes, Orangemen, Ravens, Orioles, Penguins, Bulldogs, Sea Gulls, The Rock, Terps, Gunners, Wildcats, and Cowboys.

Wow! How do we keep them all straight? I am sure I have forgotten to include some. 

But it is fun! 

OK, I had not thought about the Saltine Warrior in decades. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL