The 'best' and 'worst' nicknames in I-AA

[ChickenMan]

To be in my top ten the nickname needs to be somewhat unique



1... Paladins
2... Blue Hens
3... Grizzlies
4... Leathernecks
5... Rattlers
6... Spiders
7... Jackrabbits
8... Minutemen
9... Penguins
10... Salukis

to be in the bottom ten the names can be unoriginal or just plain bad


1... Pride
2... Wildcats
3... Governors
4... Tigers
5... Huskies
6... Mountain Hawks
7... Panthers
8... Bulldogs
9... Eagles
10.. Bears

[C-Rock]

10... Sulukis




It's Salukis.

[DaGriz]

I like Leathernecks or Salukis. Lumberjacks isn't to bad. Jackrabbits in my opinion just doesn't sound real feroucious.

[DukeDawg]

Sorry, but the "Blue Hens" is just too feminine to make the top 10 list.

In fact, I would put that nickname in the bottom 10 as one of the just plain bad names. C'mon, it's gotta be tough to root for female mascots in FOOTBALL of all sports...

I respect UD's team, but that name just inspires a good 'ol fashion ass-kicking! :D

[ChickenMan]

Sorry, but the "Blue Hens" is just too feminine to make the top 10 list.

In fact, I would put that nickname in the bottom 10 as one of the just plain bad names. C'mon, it's gotta be tough to root for female mascots in FOOTBALL of all sports...

I respect UD's team, but that name just inspires a good 'ol fashion ass-kicking! :D


obviously you need to be educated...

http://www.udel.edu/main/about/bluehen.html

[ISUMatt]

Im a fam of Lumberjacks myself. How could you leave the Sycamores off that list, everyone loves The Trees!!!

[UAalum72]

to be in the bottom ten the names can be unoriginal or just plain bad
1... Pride
2... Wildcats
3... Governors
4... Tigers
5... Huskies
6... Mountain Hawks
7... Panthers
8... Bulldogs
9... Eagles
10.. Bears
The animals may be common, but that's because they WORK as a nickname and mascot, and are not so bad as to be in the bottom 10, compared to Sycamores and Dolphins (plants and seagoing mammals?) or contrived names like Skyhawks.

Govs is OK for a nickname but I don't think it works as a mascot.

[colgate13]

obviously you need to be educated...

http://www.udel.edu/main/about/bluehen.html

Anytime you need to do that when it comes to a nickname is a bad sign IMO...

[89rabbit]

I like Leathernecks or Salukis. Lumberjacks isn't to bad. Jackrabbits in my opinion just doesn't sound real feroucious.

http://media1.funnyjunk.com/pics/0434.jpg


Fear the Rabbit!

[ChickenMan]

Anytime you need to do that when it comes to a nickname is a bad sign IMO...


anytime the 'Blue Hens' meet the 'gate... it's a bad sign for the ole 'Red Raiders'... ;)

[ChickenMan]

89...

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/7969.jpg


why is that NDST player checking out the SDST cheerleaders...instead of trying to bring down the ball carrier...?

[89rabbit]

89...

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/7969.jpg


why is that NDST player checking out the SDST cheerleaders...instead of trying to bring down the ball carrier...?


Have you been to North Dakota? ;)

[JMU Duke Dog]

I am biased towards "Dukes" being one of the best nicknames in the country.

http://www.jmu.edu/jmuweb/visitors/news/visitors3631.shtml


Who are the Dukes?

JMU's athletic teams use the nickname "Dukes" in honor of Dr. Samuel P. Duke, university president from 1919-1949. Men's athletics began at JMU during Duke's tenure (men first enrolled in the regular season in 1946 as day students.)

Women's teams were known by several names until "Duchesses" became prevalent in the early 1940s. That name was dropped in 1982 when all of JMU's teams became "Dukes".

The school colors, purple and gold, were selected during JMU's first session in 1909-1910 from the colors used by the institution's two literary societies, Lanier and Lee. The Lanier Society's colors were violet and white and the Lee's gray and gold. Violet soon was replaced by purple, which was easier to obtain for use for pennants and other decorations.

The school mascot, a bulldog with a purple and gold cape and a crown, was adopted in 1971. The bulldog is the traditional pet of royalty such as a duke.

The "Duke Dog" entertains at JMU athletic contests and other university special events and also takes part in a variety of community activities and events. JMU also has used several living bulldogs as university mascots.

[ashram]

"Paladins" at #1 is definitely a good selection, even if it does set us up for the "Christian Knights" joke. :)

What about the UTC Mocs? Does anyone know what "Mocs" stands for anymore? I read an article about how many times their nickname had changed meanings, but I don't know where it is now.

[blackfordpu]

What about Bearkats with a K? :confused:

Is that not original?

[dbackjon]

"Paladins" at #1 is definitely a good selection, even if it does set us up for the "Christian Knights" joke. :)

What about the UTC Mocs? Does anyone know what "Mocs" stands for anymore? I read an article about how many times their nickname had changed meanings, but I don't know where it is now.

I thought it was Mocassins - i.e. Water Mocassins, a rather nasty snake.

[TexasTerror]

Where's Bobcats as the 'worst'? It's one of the most unoriginal names out there. I believe there's atleast three teams using it in Div I. I know Montana State, Texas St - San Marcos, Ohio University...

Heck, even Quinnipac is the Bobcats!

[BBB]

I like Leathernecks or Salukis. Lumberjacks isn't to bad. Jackrabbits in my opinion just doesn't sound real feroucious.

You've never seen Leonard Part 6 with Bill Cosby huy?

[NoCoDanny]

I don’t necessarily connect originality with quality. That being said, the dull ones aren’t too exciting, i.e. Bears. However, the crazy ones don’t do much for me either, Mocs, etc.

Also, it’s a little tough when you have to ask ‘what is that?’ after hearing the name.

[89Hen]

Some of my least favorites... Pride, Phoenix, Seawolves, Skyhawks, Bearkats (the K), Red Flash, Dolphins...

[GannonFan]

Anytime you need to do that when it comes to a nickname is a bad sign IMO...

Do you mean for the nickname or for the uneducated??? Oh, and it's not just "Blue Hens", it's "Fightin' Blue Hens".

[ashram]

I thought it was Mocassins - i.e. Water Mocassins, a rather nasty snake.

found it:
http://gomocs.com/article.asp?articleid=9421

Native American > snake > shoe > mockingbird on a train, of course

[UAalum72]

You've never seen Leonard Part 6 with Bill Cosby huy?Or Monte Python and the Holy Grail?

That is not an ordinary rabbit ... 'tis the most foul cruel and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on.

That rabbit's got a vicious streak. It's a killer!

He'll do you up a treat mate!

It's got huge ... very sharp ... it can jump a... look at the bones!!!!

[ChickenMan]

Or Monte Python and the Holy Grail?

That is not an ordinary rabbit ... 'tis the most foul cruel and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on.

That rabbit's got a vicious streak. It's a killer!

He'll do you up a treat mate!

It's got huge ... very sharp ... it can jump a... look at the bones!!!!


http://www.youbuynow.com/img/items/109413407844267900.jpg

[henfan]

Chicken Man, what did the bunny do that to that poor Paladin?

Sorry SDSU fans but your mascot gives me the heebees. Looks a little too much like that nightmare cottontail from Donnie Darko. Very, very creepy.

http://cinema.cornell.edu/Apr05/monthimages/DonnieDarko.jpg

http://techfellows.sdstate.edu/Tyler_Pickner/images/2380.gif

[89rabbit]

http://images.quizilla.com/F/faHOOlagin/1046601932_atHGRabbit.JPG

He's the most foul and vicious monster.

http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/python/Scripts/HolyGrail/jpgs/21-caerb.jpg

It's just a bleedin rabbit.

http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/python/Scripts/HolyGrail/jpgs/21-bors.jpg

AAAAAHHH!!!! look it killed Bors, ATTACK!!!!

http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/python/Scripts/HolyGrail/jpgs/21-rabbt.jpg

AAHH!!! AHHH!!! AAAHHHH!!!! Run away!!! Run away!!!


Fear the Rabbit!

[dbackjon]

found it:
http://gomocs.com/article.asp?articleid=9421

Native American > snake > shoe > mockingbird on a train, of course

makes perfect sense......

[WYOBISONMAN]

http://www3.sdstate.edu/ClassLibrary/Page/Images/Data/7969.jpg

Damn..........coaches need to put more saltpeter on those boy's cornflakes in the morning!!! That will keep them from looking at the cheerleaders......... ;)

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

Where's Bobcats as the 'worst'? It's one of the most unoriginal names out there. I believe there's atleast three teams using it in Div I. I know Montana State, Texas St - San Marcos, Ohio University...

Heck, even Quinnipac is the Bobcats!

Awww, and just as i was about to say something about the semi-uniqueness of SHS's mascot name(still don't understand the use of the "k" but whatever), Texas"Terror" has to go say somethin crazy. guess i shouldn't have expected anything less. Anyways, just because a few teams share a mascot name doesn't mean it's the worst.

Hell, I'd say a mascot name that is MISSPELLED could be a candidate for "the worst!"

Well, at least our mascot is not something dreamt up in some fairy tale land! ;)

(Just for the record, I happen to like SHS's mascot name and most of the people associated with SAM. I just don't like TT cuz he's as dumb as a retarded rock and has something against Texas State APPARENTLY :rolleyes: .)

[TexasTerror]

A Bearkat is not spelled wrong. It's pretty much a mythical creature. The old saying in town used to be, "as tough as a Bearkat" though it also is similar to a kinkajou, the Bearkat that is...

And I do have something against TxSt-SM. Never been a big fan of big egos...

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

Never been a big fan of big egos...


HAHAHAHAHA...you're DEFINITELY one to talk... :rolleyes:

[RadMann]

I can't stand UMass but Minutemen is a cool and unique mascot name.

http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2005/mar/FootballChargelg.jpg

[McNeese75]

I can't stand UMass but Minutemen is a cool and unique mascot name.

I guess so (as long as it is not talked about in the same breath as JSU's) :D

[Purple Knight]

to be in the bottom ten the names can be unoriginal or just plain bad


1... Pride
2... Wildcats
3... Governors
4... Tigers
5... Huskies
6... Mountain Hawks
7... Panthers
8... Bulldogs
9... Eagles
10.. Bears

I think changing your name from 'Fighting Christians' to 'Phoenix' should win the top spot for worst names. Going from top 10 best to bottom 10. Salute to Elon Univ.

[GannonFan]

I can't stand UMass but Minutemen is a cool and unique mascot name.

http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2005/mar/FootballChargelg.jpg

Quality pic - the season can't start early enough.

[charliej]

Quality pic - the season can't start early enough.

With all that money UD makes on football,they cant afford a smoke machine? ;)

BTW,I always liked the "Fightin Blue Hen" moniker.

[Tribe4SF]

I'm kind of partial to "Tribe". Unique, and resonates with the team concept.

[Tribe4SF]

I can't stand UMass but Minutemen is a cool and unique mascot name.

http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2005/mar/FootballChargelg.jpg

What's the babe on the right doing with that tank?

[ChickenMan]

blowing smoke...

[89Hen]

A Bearkat is not spelled wrong. It's pretty much a mythical creature.
By mythical you mean made up at SHSU? :cool:

[TxSt02]

By mythical you mean made up at SHSU? :cool:

Yeah, but it should also be a part of this:

http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Reviews/NeverendingStory/Images/NeverendingStory-DVD.jpg

[igo4uni]

blowing smoke...

I bet she can blow more than smoke! :D

peace

igo4uni

[eaglefan452]

No smack intended here, but "Terriers" is a pretty bad nickname. Original, I guess, but a little dog doesn't make a good nickname.

I would say that "Paladin" is ok, but I would venture a guess and say that most people don't even know what the hell a Paladin is.

[GreatAppSt]

No smack intended here, but "Terriers" is a pretty bad nickname. Original, I guess, but a little dog doesn't make a good nickname
If it was an American Bull Terrier (Pit bull)there would be somthing to it But a Boston Terrier :confused: in South Carolina :confused: :confused: I'm with you.



I would say that "Paladin" is ok, but I would venture a guess and say that most people don't even know what the hell a Paladin is.
I bet most Muslims do. I'm suprised the NCAA PC machine hasn't accused FU of being offensive like they did schools that had tribal based names.

[MR. CHICKEN]

WORST NICKNAME IN I-AA.......UMASSFAN...TIED WHIFF...MAINEJEFF......BAWK!

OH YEAH....AN'....LETSGONOVA! :p

[rokamortis]

I bet most Muslims do. I'm suprised the NCAA PC machine hasn't accused FU of being offensive like they did schools that had tribal based names.

Where did you find a negative definition of a paladin?

[Pantherpower]

I like mascot names that have at least some tie/history with the state. In the case of the UNI Panthers, well, there have been documented cases of Mountain Lions in the state, but to say they've taken up residence would be a stretch. If I'm fortunate enough to grow old and gray, however, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see considerable populations of mountain lions and wolves in the state. Nature will find I way to stabilize the overabundance of deer (which, would be a good and appropriate mascot by the way) The UNI Bucks or UNI Stag. Anyhow, enough with the nature lecture on my great state. :)

[ngineer]

Where did you find a negative definition of a paladin?

"Have Gun Will Travel"---that's what I think of when I hear of the Paladins.
Can't complain about my Mountain Hawks..but Engineers, if still the official moniker, would be in the 'good' top ten. Original--only Ga. Tech also uses, sometimes, though they are usually the Yellow Jackets.

[GoGuins]

"Penguins" is unique in that it's the only one in all DI sports. I know at one time YSU used to have a live Penguin mascot donated by a Colonel Bird who flew a mission to the Artic and brought it back. It later on died as it drowned under the ice at a local pond while taking a leisure swim. Go figure :confused:

Penguin nickname (http://www.ysu.edu/sports/traditions/nickname.htm)

[GreatAppSt]

Where did you find a negative definition of a paladin?

In recent times M109A6 Paladins have been used during PG I and in the lraq conflict of today to obliterate enemy fighters (most of whom are Muslims) As the NCAA likes to say someone may be offended with the use of this name.

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m109a6.htm

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/ntc_2.gif http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m109a6_imgt_019-s.jpg
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m2_1.gif

In historic times Paladins (Knights)(usually courtiers to a king, somtimes called his champions and usually from the wealthier higher nobility, thus the best trained and armored most zealous defenders of the faith) took part in the Jerusalem massacre in the first crusade and the Acre massacre in the third crusade on the orders of King Richard of England.

Again like the NCAA PC cronies love to say "someone might be offended"
Hope this helps. :)

[rokamortis]

In recent times M109A6 Paladins have been used during PG I and in the lraq conflict of today to obliterate enemy fighters (most of whom are Muslims) As the NCAA likes to say someone may be offended with the use of this name.

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m109a6.htm

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/ntc_2.gif http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m109a6_imgt_019-s.jpg
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m2_1.gif

In historic times Paladins (Knights)(usually courtiers to a king, somtimes called his champions and usually from the wealthier higher nobility, thus the best trained and armored most zealous defenders of the faith) took part in the Jerusalem massacre in the first crusade and the Acre massacre in the third crusade on the orders of King Richard of England.

Again like the NCAA PC cronies love to say "someone might be offended"
Hope this helps. :)

You are reading a bit too much into that GAS. Yes a Paladin is a knight, but knights are known for many more things than killing muslims.

What the NCAA objects to is making fun of different groups. If FU conducted halftime crusades - then maybe I could see your argument ;)

[Pen Guin]

For those that care ... In the early 1900's What is now Yougstown State University, was Youngstown College of Law. Thus it could not have varsity Intercollegiate sports, just intramural club sports. They became Youngstown normal college in the early 20's & with an undergratuate student body, they could participate in sponsored varsity athletics. They first had Basketball, fencing and wrestling (only men in all three). They travelled to a basketball game where they were doing warm-ups, one of which was to put their arms out horizontally and rotate them, as we all have done (those over 30 at least). The opposing fans began to shout sarcastically 'Penguins', as the uniforms were black with a white chest. The Youngstown school paper, posted "Penguins win" in the headlines and it stuck. The school adopted the name officially around 1932. Prior to that, Youngstown's nickname was "YoCo's" (a combination of 'locals' and 'YOungstown COllege').

The original mascott, "Pete", was an actual Emporer Penguin & had it's own temperature-controlled building on campus. Protesting put Pete at near by newly built Sea World & a costumed "Pete" took it's place.

Famous moments in Pete history:
Pete became famous in 2004, as the unofficial mascott of bush/cheney, on their web site. A picture of the YSU mascott holding a Bush/Cheney sign adorned the front page. YSU administrators asked the Bush/Cheney camp to remove the photo & they did.

Bush-Cheney Web site removes YSU mascot photo (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-09-30-bush-mascot_x.htm)

In 2002, Sea World invited the Penguin football Team to a special celebration of the aniversary of their Penguin Encounter. Pictures can be seen in the 2002 media guide. During the year, Sea World brought a real Penguin ... Pete ... to various games.

The Columbus Zoo named a newborn Penguin "Tressel" after he won his 5th national title in 2002, to honor his YSU heritage.

New Penguin at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (http://www.colszoo.org/pressreleases/penguin.htm)

[GreatAppSt]

You are reading a bit too much into that GAS. Yes a Paladin is a knight, but knights are known for many more things than killing muslims.

What the NCAA objects to is making fun of different groups. If FU conducted halftime crusades - then maybe I could see your argument ;)

Come on Rok,
I'm not reading into anything. I did not state that it's my belief the use of the name Paladin is offensive to Muslims. You asked why/how someone could take offense to the name. I gave you examples to consider, not an argument, for it's (Paladins) use to be frowned on, not my position, or my opinion. That wasn't what you asked for. It was just that, a possible reason it may offend somebody out there. I really don't care if it does or doesn't.

Again, As stated earlier what surprises me most is that some PC Nazi weeny at the NCAA hasn't got a bug about it. Cosidering how run amuck PC enforcement in the NCAA has become. Now that's MHO :) :)

[rokamortis]

Come on Rok,
Again, As stated earlier what surprises me most is that some PC Nazi weeny at the NCAA hasn't got a bug about it. Cosidering how run amuck PC enforcement in the NCAA has become. Now that's MHO :) :)

my bad. :o I missed the sarcasm earlier.

[GannonFan]

I don't think there's necessarily anything historically wrong about the Paladin nickname - it basically was always a knight and not tied to any one particular event, etc. Where a school could have problems, however, could be those with "Crusader" as a name. From a PC angle, that name could be deemed offensive to Muslim or Middle Eastern people. Of course, I think the PC angle is a bunch of hooey, but I'm just one man.

[AgentOrange]

By mythical you mean made up at SHSU? :cool:
Bearkats couldn't have been made up by OUR own students, it was a reference way back when.
Let's take a look at some other schools with mythical animals as mascots...just so that we're not confused.

Alabama-Birmingham Blazers
Canisius Griffins
Fort Lewis Skyhawks
Kirtland CC Firebirds
Kansas Jayhawks
Richland Thunderducks
St. Louis Billikens
Seton Hill Griffins
Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix

...and those are just animals. Don't forget about all of the teams that reflect the local flavor. I.E: Tarheels, Buckeyes, Volunteers, Ragin' Cajuns, etc. Not exactly mythical, but still the same concept to be different. That's what these schools are all about, right? Individuality.

[AgentOrange]

This should shed some more light on the subject...

http://www.shsu.edu/~stdjcw19/Bearkathistory.html

Enjoy!

[89Hen]

Bearkats couldn't have been made up by OUR own students, it was a reference way back when.
Let's take a look at some other schools with mythical animals as mascots... Blazers
Griffins
Skyhawks
Firebirds
Jayhawks
Thunderducks
Billikens
Griffins
Phoenix
Tarheels
Buckeyes
Volunteers
Ragin' Cajuns
Yeah, but at least all of those are all spelled correctly! Maybe Ragin' is not, but that name stinks anyway. :p

[89Hen]

This should shed some more light on the subject...
Actually, it doesn't. No explanation of the K. That's what I don't like. Bearcats = cool... Bearkats = :confused:

Go Blu Henz!

[AgentOrange]

Actually, it doesn't. No explanation of the K. That's what I don't like. Bearcats = cool... Bearkats = :confused:

Go Blu Henz!
I really wasn't making an effort to dispell any argument about the "K" in our name. Just wanted to say that the term Bearkat was not made up by our school. But I kinda wish it was. :rolleyes:

[blukeys]

Bearkats couldn't have been made up by OUR own students, it was a reference way back when.
Let's take a look at some other schools with mythical animals as mascots...just so that we're not confused.

Alabama-Birmingham Blazers
Canisius Griffins
Fort Lewis Skyhawks
Kirtland CC Firebirds
Kansas Jayhawks
Richland Thunderducks
St. Louis Billikens
Seton Hill Griffins
Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix

...and those are just animals. Don't forget about all of the teams that reflect the local flavor. I.E: Tarheels, Buckeyes, Volunteers, Ragin' Cajuns, etc. Not exactly mythical, but still the same concept to be different. That's what these schools are all about, right? Individuality.


While Kansas may have a fuzzy bird like creature on the sideline, the name Jayhawk comes from Kansas history. It was a name applied to individuals coming into Kansas before Kansas was a state. The term Jayhawk applied to real people who existed and is closer to the local flavor type nickname such as Tarheels, Buckeyes, Volunteers, Ragin' Cajuns, etc.

[OL FU]

No smack intended here, but "Terriers" is a pretty bad nickname. Original, I guess, but a little dog doesn't make a good nickname.

I would say that "Paladin" is ok, but I would venture a guess and say that most people don't even know what the hell a Paladin is.

I think is is a Cowboy gun slinger who dresses in Black with a business card that says "Have Gun, Will Travel"

I definitely showed my age with that one.

[89rabbit]

[/B]

I think is is a Cowboy gun slinger who dresses in Black with a business card that says "Have Gun, Will Travel"

I definitely showed my age with that one.


Before my time, but I get the reference:

http://www.thrillingdetective.com/paladin.html

http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/children/westerns/paladin.jpg

[bobcatfan06]

A Bearkat is not spelled wrong. It's pretty much a mythical creature.

My rendition of where a Bearkat came from:

Deb: Hey Napolean, What are you drawing?

Napolean: A bearkat, it's my favorite animal.

Deb: What is a bearkat?

Napolean: It is pretty much a mythical creature, I just don't know how to spell cat.

Maybe Sam could be the SHSU Ligers???

[rokamortis]

My rendition of where a Bearkat came from:

Deb: Hey Napolean, What are you drawing?

Napolean: A bearkat, it's my favorite animal.

Deb: What is a bearkat?

Napolean: It is pretty much a mythical creature, I just don't know how to spell cat.

Maybe Sam could be the SHSU Ligers???

LMAO - thats what I thought when I read that.

This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bo staff.

[McNeese75]

Before my time, but I get the reference:

http://www.thrillingdetective.com/paladin.html

http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/children/westerns/paladin.jpg

Not before my time and one of my favorites (along with Steve McQueen carrying around that cutoff winchester and of course the Rifleman)

:D

[UAalum72]

And one of my favorite jokes as a nine-year-old - his first name was not 'Wire'
http://www.thrillingdetective.com/images2/hgwt_card.gif