Well, I can deny it no longer.
I guess, after all the time and money I spent, it was kind of a fruitless search.
For countless years, combing over countless pictures, I have been nitpicking, scouring, and simply trying to determine only one thing when it comes to the mascot of the University of Iowa.
Now, don't get me wrong - Herky the Hawk is a sweet mascot in the Big Ten (compared to some of the others *COUGH NORTHWESTERN COUGH*), and I love the fact that he has two different forms for football and basketball (hooray for non-consistency!), but when it came to the football version, I was intrigued by only ONE THING that made him stand out from the other bird mascots out there.
The white socks.
Now, before I go any further (I know, I tend to digress a lot when it comes to any subject), I must say that I have respect for socks when it comes to team uniforms. You could say I'm a bit of a collector. I have plenty of hockey ones to match team jerseys, football, baseball, etc. to go with my favorite teams.
But the Iowa search...it always seemed to elude me.
I couldn't pinpoint EXACTLY what they were. What brand? How high do they go?
This search probably started around 4 years ago, when Herky brought his Hawkeyes to Ross-Ade for the first time. From the moment I saw him, I immediately was intrigued. It's also how I basically started my love/hate relationship when it comes to Iowa football.
But I immediately began scouring the Internet for answers.
All I was getting was a mix of photos, with different looking ones.
So I looked at several and bought several...and nothing seemed even close.
Yet recently (like over the past couple weeks), I finally had my epiphany.
According to recent Flickr photos, it looks to me like Herky is basically wearing the same style of sock that NFL players wear (and I know, because I have Miami Dolphins ones that are similar), but it's just the solid white without the team colors intertwined. Stretchy at the top, cotton at the bottom.
But I've scoured and searched and there's nothing Reebok has that's like that.
So I've basically concluded that Iowa special ordered a bunch of them just for them and only them.
Which universities and their athletic departments have discretion to do. I have nothing wrong with that.
But I've also discovered that not EVERY Herky over time wears the same ones. On the contrary.
Herkies have come and gone, and even though the COSTUME itself really hasn't changed, I guess the person inside (or the athletic department, who knows) has the say on the bottom half of the outlook.
OH....
That was when I realized.
ANYTHING that I get could be a Herky sock.
It doesn't have to be EXACTLY like it, because shoot, it may change every year. Like I said, I've seen so many images and there have been different styles over the years.
So...yeah.
In a way, I feel like I've wasted a lot over the years, trying to pinpoint something that is constantly changing.
But at least now I can say that I've admitted it.
I give up.
You win, Iowa. You win, Herky. Look however you want, I'm just a fan, and I'll cheer and look however I want too.
Besides...when I'm watching Iowa football, I usually rock my black-and-white football socks that match the players for luck.
But who knows? Maybe one day I'll switch it up like Herky.
We'll see.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
First Mascot Pic, Iowa Relationship, Capital One, Thoughts On Rufus
A couple big news stories in the mascot world lately that I feel like I need to address.
First, BIG NEWS FOR ME! I got my first picture with any mascot, EVER!
What's that?
No...before you ask, UNFORTUNATELY, it wasn't Boomer.
I wish, right?
But it was just as cool.
I went to the Logansport/Twin Lakes football game to start the season (rooting for Logansport, because if you've seen my other blog, Pherson's Thoughts, you KNOW how I feel about my alma mater's FB team), and FINALLY, after many years of not even being at football games, FELIX THE CAT finally wanders the stands at home games!
THANK YOU!
About time was all I could say.
He mostly hangs around the student section (like he does at basketball games as well), but toward the end of the game when Logan was putting a 26-7 pasting on the Indians, my best friend Nate took a quick shot before we left.
OH, IT FELT SO GRAND.
And the picture turned out great.
Of course it's on my Facebook. But Facebook's down today, so...you can check it out some other time if you haven't already.
*STORY NUMBER TWO: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH IOWA*
Maybe I've explained this story before, and maybe I haven't, but I feel like I need to.
I kinda have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
I respect Iowa's traditions, stadium, all that stuff. And their fans are nuts.
And, as many of you know, I definitely have MAD respect for Herky the Hawk.
It's like, I've been trying to find out for years what EXACT KIND of white socks the football version wears on Saturdays (and I think I'm getting very close, but the quest continues).
But when it comes to Iowa...well...look at it this way.
I'm a Purdue grad.
I root for Purdue all the time, in anything.
I root for Iowa in football. Their basketball team is kinda yuck, but I'll still hope they do well.
HOWEVER...when Purdue plays Iowa in football especially, I have to root for Purdue. Got to.
AND...I HAVE TO MOCK IOWA.
I know, it sounds mean, but yeah, I mock the flapping arms chant, I make hawk-screeching noises, I do whatever to get on Iowa fans' nerves.
But that's only one game.
Iowa fans must be thankful that Purdue doesn't play them in football this year.
*STORY NUMBER THREE: CAPITAL ONE MASCOT CHALLENGE*
The Capital One Mascot Challenge is in full swing, and quite frankly, it looks like a two-mascot race.
Big Blue of Old Dominion is rolling in at least over 60,000 votes a week and is far ahead of the competition. Smokey of Tennessee is a close second, and Monte of Montana (a former 2-time champion) is also in the mix. The Bird of Air Force is once again on this year's team, but unfortunately is hardly getting any support and his chances of making the playoffs don't look very promising unless he gets more votes. C'MON PEOPLE! VOTE FOR THE BIRD! GET HIM TO THE NEXT ROUND! MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
Goldy of Minnesota is also on this year's team, but he's not faring so hot either.
And also on the team is THE NUTHEAD, aka Brutus of Ohio State. Which is the perfect segway for our final story...
*STORY NUMBER FOUR: RUFUS THE BOBCAT IS AMAZING!*
God bless you, Rufus the Bobcat.
God bless you, Brendon or whatever your name is.
So what if Ohio University banned you from any further athletic affiliation? You don't even go there anymore.
You did an AMAZING thing on Saturday afternoon. Even if the football team you were pulling for blowed and didn't have a chance in the world of beating Ohio State, you made the best play for Ohio U all day.
NOW - BEFORE ANYBODY SAYS ANYTHING - do I condone violence? No.
Do I condone mascot violence? No.
But do I think it's funny that THE STUPIDEST MASCOT IN THE BIG TEN got just desserts from someone that only tried out for the job because he was out for Brutus?
HELL YEAH!
And by the way, Nuthead - RUFUS DRIVES A MOTORCYCLE to lead the team on the field. What do you have? The Nutmobile? The Buckeye Special? No. YOU'VE GOT NOTHING. You're stupid looking, not intimidating in any way, and I would slap the smile off your face just like Rufus tried to do to you.
Again, way to go, Rufus. You did what many other Big Ten fans of other universities longed to do, but never had the courage to do.
Oh, and another memo to Ohio State - It doesn't matter what happens in this year's game. I was still at the one where we OWNED YOU in West Lafayette in 2009 when no one gave us a chance. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE ANY OPPONENT.
That being said, I will laugh my you-know-what off if you lose to Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Hey, will the Eagle attack Brutus too?
Just a thought. :-)
First, BIG NEWS FOR ME! I got my first picture with any mascot, EVER!
What's that?
No...before you ask, UNFORTUNATELY, it wasn't Boomer.
I wish, right?
But it was just as cool.
I went to the Logansport/Twin Lakes football game to start the season (rooting for Logansport, because if you've seen my other blog, Pherson's Thoughts, you KNOW how I feel about my alma mater's FB team), and FINALLY, after many years of not even being at football games, FELIX THE CAT finally wanders the stands at home games!
THANK YOU!
About time was all I could say.
He mostly hangs around the student section (like he does at basketball games as well), but toward the end of the game when Logan was putting a 26-7 pasting on the Indians, my best friend Nate took a quick shot before we left.
OH, IT FELT SO GRAND.
And the picture turned out great.
Of course it's on my Facebook. But Facebook's down today, so...you can check it out some other time if you haven't already.
*STORY NUMBER TWO: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH IOWA*
Maybe I've explained this story before, and maybe I haven't, but I feel like I need to.
I kinda have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
I respect Iowa's traditions, stadium, all that stuff. And their fans are nuts.
And, as many of you know, I definitely have MAD respect for Herky the Hawk.
It's like, I've been trying to find out for years what EXACT KIND of white socks the football version wears on Saturdays (and I think I'm getting very close, but the quest continues).
But when it comes to Iowa...well...look at it this way.
I'm a Purdue grad.
I root for Purdue all the time, in anything.
I root for Iowa in football. Their basketball team is kinda yuck, but I'll still hope they do well.
HOWEVER...when Purdue plays Iowa in football especially, I have to root for Purdue. Got to.
AND...I HAVE TO MOCK IOWA.
I know, it sounds mean, but yeah, I mock the flapping arms chant, I make hawk-screeching noises, I do whatever to get on Iowa fans' nerves.
But that's only one game.
Iowa fans must be thankful that Purdue doesn't play them in football this year.
*STORY NUMBER THREE: CAPITAL ONE MASCOT CHALLENGE*
The Capital One Mascot Challenge is in full swing, and quite frankly, it looks like a two-mascot race.
Big Blue of Old Dominion is rolling in at least over 60,000 votes a week and is far ahead of the competition. Smokey of Tennessee is a close second, and Monte of Montana (a former 2-time champion) is also in the mix. The Bird of Air Force is once again on this year's team, but unfortunately is hardly getting any support and his chances of making the playoffs don't look very promising unless he gets more votes. C'MON PEOPLE! VOTE FOR THE BIRD! GET HIM TO THE NEXT ROUND! MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
Goldy of Minnesota is also on this year's team, but he's not faring so hot either.
And also on the team is THE NUTHEAD, aka Brutus of Ohio State. Which is the perfect segway for our final story...
*STORY NUMBER FOUR: RUFUS THE BOBCAT IS AMAZING!*
God bless you, Rufus the Bobcat.
God bless you, Brendon or whatever your name is.
So what if Ohio University banned you from any further athletic affiliation? You don't even go there anymore.
You did an AMAZING thing on Saturday afternoon. Even if the football team you were pulling for blowed and didn't have a chance in the world of beating Ohio State, you made the best play for Ohio U all day.
NOW - BEFORE ANYBODY SAYS ANYTHING - do I condone violence? No.
Do I condone mascot violence? No.
But do I think it's funny that THE STUPIDEST MASCOT IN THE BIG TEN got just desserts from someone that only tried out for the job because he was out for Brutus?
HELL YEAH!
And by the way, Nuthead - RUFUS DRIVES A MOTORCYCLE to lead the team on the field. What do you have? The Nutmobile? The Buckeye Special? No. YOU'VE GOT NOTHING. You're stupid looking, not intimidating in any way, and I would slap the smile off your face just like Rufus tried to do to you.
Again, way to go, Rufus. You did what many other Big Ten fans of other universities longed to do, but never had the courage to do.
Oh, and another memo to Ohio State - It doesn't matter what happens in this year's game. I was still at the one where we OWNED YOU in West Lafayette in 2009 when no one gave us a chance. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE ANY OPPONENT.
That being said, I will laugh my you-know-what off if you lose to Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Hey, will the Eagle attack Brutus too?
Just a thought. :-)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Still on the Boomer Hunt...And One Interesting Observation
Well, lately I've had a few MORE opportunities to run into Boomer...and still no dice. He didn't even come UP to the club level when Nate and I went to the Knicks game through the promotion. Yeah, the same people who won those seats by being his followers on Twitter...no interaction whatsoever. What the fur-flying-freak is up with that?
So I gave it another shot by sporting my new Danny Granger jersey AND the Boomer hat at the Pacers draft party. Turns out he was around the concourse at SOME POINT, but he was mostly down with the higher-up, VIP, mucky-mucks on the floor below.
WHATEVER HAPPENED to being a common fan and getting some interaction with the mascots? Does that even happen anywhere anymore? I guess if you're one of the lucky ones. I'm still going to hold on to some hope, but I'm...well...hoping that it's not false hope, BECAUSE I HATE THAT! I'm an optimist, but man...it's getting REALLY HARD waiting for a chance.
Oh, I did want to add that I made (well, not made, I SAW) an interesting observation this morning. I've become a fan of the Gary Southshore RailCats minor league baseball team. Not just the fact that they are a local team and they have a winning tradition in place, but the fact that the nickname is cool, and their RailCat mascots look EPIC. I mean, really. Well, strike that...Rusty is neat in his own regard, but I like his younger brother Rascal! He's just got a very neat look with the backwards hat thing going on and what not...but there's one more cool feature that is very difficult to spot unless (pun intended) you capture it with a camera at just the right moment. Rascal, unlike his older counterpart, wears baseball pants (Rusty just wears shorts). But also (and this is the observation I noticed in some pics last night from the RailCats game)...wait for it...
WAIT...FOR...IT...
RASCAL WEARS GREEN SOCKS.
I shoot you not!
That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen when it comes to mascotdom!
I mean, you just don't expect it until you've seen it!
I was like HOLY RAILCAT COW, there it is!
(is there really such a thing as a RailCat Cow? 'Cos if there is, I'd like to get a pic of that, too)
But yeah! It was total epicness!
Rascal, you are now higher up on my favorite mascot list. Rusty, you're up there too, don't worry.
It makes it THIS MUCH COOLER to be a RailCat fan.
And as for you Boomer...one day...I keep hoping...and for now, that's all I can do.
(EDIT as of 8:48 PM - Okay, so I did some more pic digging and actually BOTH Rusty and Rascal rock the green hosiery...but AGAIN, you just have to catch it at the right moment. How cool!)
So I gave it another shot by sporting my new Danny Granger jersey AND the Boomer hat at the Pacers draft party. Turns out he was around the concourse at SOME POINT, but he was mostly down with the higher-up, VIP, mucky-mucks on the floor below.
WHATEVER HAPPENED to being a common fan and getting some interaction with the mascots? Does that even happen anywhere anymore? I guess if you're one of the lucky ones. I'm still going to hold on to some hope, but I'm...well...hoping that it's not false hope, BECAUSE I HATE THAT! I'm an optimist, but man...it's getting REALLY HARD waiting for a chance.
Oh, I did want to add that I made (well, not made, I SAW) an interesting observation this morning. I've become a fan of the Gary Southshore RailCats minor league baseball team. Not just the fact that they are a local team and they have a winning tradition in place, but the fact that the nickname is cool, and their RailCat mascots look EPIC. I mean, really. Well, strike that...Rusty is neat in his own regard, but I like his younger brother Rascal! He's just got a very neat look with the backwards hat thing going on and what not...but there's one more cool feature that is very difficult to spot unless (pun intended) you capture it with a camera at just the right moment. Rascal, unlike his older counterpart, wears baseball pants (Rusty just wears shorts). But also (and this is the observation I noticed in some pics last night from the RailCats game)...wait for it...
WAIT...FOR...IT...
RASCAL WEARS GREEN SOCKS.
I shoot you not!
That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen when it comes to mascotdom!
I mean, you just don't expect it until you've seen it!
I was like HOLY RAILCAT COW, there it is!
(is there really such a thing as a RailCat Cow? 'Cos if there is, I'd like to get a pic of that, too)
But yeah! It was total epicness!
Rascal, you are now higher up on my favorite mascot list. Rusty, you're up there too, don't worry.
It makes it THIS MUCH COOLER to be a RailCat fan.
And as for you Boomer...one day...I keep hoping...and for now, that's all I can do.
(EDIT as of 8:48 PM - Okay, so I did some more pic digging and actually BOTH Rusty and Rascal rock the green hosiery...but AGAIN, you just have to catch it at the right moment. How cool!)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Why Sometimes, It Pays To Follow A Mascot...Literally!
Some people who don't understand the world of mascotdom may find it silly that someone, like me, follows the mascot world as closely as I do.
Those people don't understand that SOMETIMES, that can pay off.
How did it happen to me?
First off, it paid to be a Facebook Fan of my FAVORITE mascot, Boomer, because without that, I would not have known that he had recently joined Twitter.
I am also thankful that I joined the Twitter craze, because originally, I thought the whole thing was silly and that I would never do it. I caved, of course.
But IT GETS BETTER!
Boomer, hoping to increase the number of Twitter followers he had, was willing to give 2 FREE TICKETS - YES, FREE - to his first 500 followers.
The catch was that he had until April 6 to do it, which was 2 days.
I was follower #210, I think.
I hoped and prayed for days that he hit 500 before that day.
Thankfully, he did.
YES!!!
I couldn't think of anyone else to take to the Pacers/Knicks game on April 7 than my best friend, Nate.
You know what made this whole thing MORE bizarro world?
We had talked about going to a Pacers game A FEW DAYS BEFORE.
("Insert operatic 'Ah' here")
This was like, a true blessing! This was like fate!
A THIRD chance to potentially meet my favorite mascot, ever!
Now, our seats turned out to be in the Club Level, but we had an AWESOME view of everything, right in the corner.
We had our own personal SERVER, for gosh sake.
IT WAS A BLAST.
The Pacers won, 113-105, and the game overall was outstanding.
Of course, I also couldn't keep my eyes off Boomer...but he was mostly scouring around the lower level and the court itself.
RATS!
And later, I found out that had we arrived A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, Boomer was on the concourse signing autographs and meeting fans.
DOUBLE RATS!
But I still smiled. It didn't dim the night. I realized that I couldn't be all ticked off anymore.
They'll be other opportunities. I know it.
I mean, C'MON!
The guy's noticed my Boomer hat at a Purdue game and fell one row short of getting a mini-basketball to me.
He's had to have read my numerous Facebook comments and Tweets about him and the Pacers.
He'll have to notice me sometime...we'll just HAVE to have a face to face soon...right?
If I learned anything about fate from this experience, I have NOTHING to worry about.
GO PACERS AND BOOMER!!!
Those people don't understand that SOMETIMES, that can pay off.
How did it happen to me?
First off, it paid to be a Facebook Fan of my FAVORITE mascot, Boomer, because without that, I would not have known that he had recently joined Twitter.
I am also thankful that I joined the Twitter craze, because originally, I thought the whole thing was silly and that I would never do it. I caved, of course.
But IT GETS BETTER!
Boomer, hoping to increase the number of Twitter followers he had, was willing to give 2 FREE TICKETS - YES, FREE - to his first 500 followers.
The catch was that he had until April 6 to do it, which was 2 days.
I was follower #210, I think.
I hoped and prayed for days that he hit 500 before that day.
Thankfully, he did.
YES!!!
I couldn't think of anyone else to take to the Pacers/Knicks game on April 7 than my best friend, Nate.
You know what made this whole thing MORE bizarro world?
We had talked about going to a Pacers game A FEW DAYS BEFORE.
("Insert operatic 'Ah' here")
This was like, a true blessing! This was like fate!
A THIRD chance to potentially meet my favorite mascot, ever!
Now, our seats turned out to be in the Club Level, but we had an AWESOME view of everything, right in the corner.
We had our own personal SERVER, for gosh sake.
IT WAS A BLAST.
The Pacers won, 113-105, and the game overall was outstanding.
Of course, I also couldn't keep my eyes off Boomer...but he was mostly scouring around the lower level and the court itself.
RATS!
And later, I found out that had we arrived A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, Boomer was on the concourse signing autographs and meeting fans.
DOUBLE RATS!
But I still smiled. It didn't dim the night. I realized that I couldn't be all ticked off anymore.
They'll be other opportunities. I know it.
I mean, C'MON!
The guy's noticed my Boomer hat at a Purdue game and fell one row short of getting a mini-basketball to me.
He's had to have read my numerous Facebook comments and Tweets about him and the Pacers.
He'll have to notice me sometime...we'll just HAVE to have a face to face soon...right?
If I learned anything about fate from this experience, I have NOTHING to worry about.
GO PACERS AND BOOMER!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Updated Favorite Rankings - March 23, 2010
UPDATE: A couple new additions (noted in this post), and I removed Duncan from Jacksonville because as I said, the mascot looks nothing like a real dolphin and the live one is cooler.
1. Boomer - Indiana Pacers - NBA
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower (NEW - plus it earned me two free tix to the Pacers/Knicks game on April 7 - Blog entry above)
STANDOUT 'STICS: Dunking ability, energy, and a passion for the Pacers
2. The Bird - Air Force Falcons - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Not your typical falcon, colors are striking, and rocks the team uni
3. SJ Sharkie - San Jose Sharks - NHL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: One of the more popular mascots, always has a fun side, rapels into the arena
4. Herky the Hawk - Iowa Hawkeyes - NCAA
You can't publicly follow his Facebook, and no Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The look, the wings, and the uniform
5. YouDee - Delaware Blue Hens - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Realistic, full of energy, and the name alone
6. Ace - Toronto Blue Jays - MLB
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The smile, the energy, and the wings
7. T.D. - Miami Dolphins - NFL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rocks the team uni, always energetic, and he actually looks like a dolphin (talkin' to you, Jacksonville University)
8. IceBurgh - Pittsburgh Penguins - NHL
No Facebook, Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Gets really involved in the games (tweets or on the ice), is a movie star, just looks so darn huggable
9. Clutch - Lehigh Mountain Hawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Thick white socks, talons sticking out of his shoes, and the look alone is cool
10. Cardinal Bird - Louisville Cardinals - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: That intimidating scowl, the wings, and the big feet
11. T-Rac - Tennessee Titans - NFL
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness (the raccoon being the state animal of Tennessee), the long tail, and the tongue sticking out of his mouth showing that goofy, playful side
12. Eli - Oral Roberts Golden Eagles - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The color, the overall look, and hopefully a better image from that whole fight thing
13. Big Red - Arizona Cardinals - NFL
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, rocks the team uni, energetic
14. Rameses - North Carolina Tar Heels - NCAA
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: The look on its face, the horns, rockin the uni, and just the overall look
15. Ace - Green Bay Gamblers - USHL
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The number 21, the ace up his sleeve (or behind his ear, or even somewhere else - you never know!), and just the fact he's a bobcat
16. Sir Purr - Carolina Panthers - NFL
Twitter Follower
NEW ADDITION! I'm developing a like for Panthers lately, as you will see, or other cats in general. Not sure why, but Sir Purr is so darn cute and huggable. Plus, I have to agree with Michael Vick on this one - the Panthers' unis are cool.
STANDOUT 'STICS: You can actually have his jersey, cute and huggable, the look on his face, and the long tail
17. Mr. Met - New York Mets - MLB
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin all of the team's uni combinations, the uniqueness, and big shoes
18. Will D. Cat - Villanova Wildcats - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
NEW ADDITION! There's just something about this wildcat that strikes me. The more I see it, the more I like it.
STANDOUT 'STICS: The big feet, the overall look, and rockin the team uni
19. Champ - Vermont Lake Monsters - MILB
No Facebook or Twitter, but did have a blog for a while
STANDOUT 'STICS: The back story (based on a true story...or is it?), the beautiful tail, and just the overall 'monster' look. Love the green and blue color, too.
20. Jaxson de Ville - Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL
No Facebook or Twitter (Surprise)
NEW ADDITION after the Pro Bowl. This is one cool jaguar. Why hadn't I seen it before?
STANDOUT 'STICS: The sunglasses are a nice touch but his face looks good without them, the overall jaguar look, and simply one cool cat, plus the name makes sense
21. Big Jay - Kansas Jayhawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the big beak, and the shoes (if only they were like the logo...)
22. Cy - Iowa State Cyclones - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness (a cardinal with cyclones), the claws on its feet, and its Evolution of Dance video
23. TC Panther - Northern Iowa Panthers - NCAA
Facebook Fan
NEW ADDITION, thanks to UNI's run in the Tournament. Another panther, I know, right? The face looks tough, but it's also fan-friendly and cool-looking.
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin the uni, LOVE the purple nose, the big feet, and the long tail
24. Southpaw - Chicago White Sox - MLB
Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness, rocks the uni, stirrups
25. Willie Warhawk - Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Love the new addition with the white socks, the overall look, and the muscles on its wings
26. Tommyhawk - Chicago Blackhawks - NHL
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the four feathers on the head, rocks the uni (including pants!), and the tail
27. Hoppy the Bluejay - Johns Hopkins Blue Jays - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Big feet, the interesting smile, energy on the sidelines
28. Slapshot - Washington Capitals - NHL
Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the nice change to the beak making it more realistic, rockin' the uni, and those classic Jackass parody videos
29. Thrash - Atlanta Thrashers - NHL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin the uni, love the intimidating look, his sense of humor too, and yeah, he repels into arenas too
30. Superfrog - TCU Horned Frogs - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, love the Horned Frog symbol with your fingers, and it's just one of the most unique nicknames in the NCAA
1. Boomer - Indiana Pacers - NBA
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower (NEW - plus it earned me two free tix to the Pacers/Knicks game on April 7 - Blog entry above)
STANDOUT 'STICS: Dunking ability, energy, and a passion for the Pacers
2. The Bird - Air Force Falcons - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Not your typical falcon, colors are striking, and rocks the team uni
3. SJ Sharkie - San Jose Sharks - NHL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: One of the more popular mascots, always has a fun side, rapels into the arena
4. Herky the Hawk - Iowa Hawkeyes - NCAA
You can't publicly follow his Facebook, and no Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The look, the wings, and the uniform
5. YouDee - Delaware Blue Hens - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Realistic, full of energy, and the name alone
6. Ace - Toronto Blue Jays - MLB
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The smile, the energy, and the wings
7. T.D. - Miami Dolphins - NFL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rocks the team uni, always energetic, and he actually looks like a dolphin (talkin' to you, Jacksonville University)
8. IceBurgh - Pittsburgh Penguins - NHL
No Facebook, Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Gets really involved in the games (tweets or on the ice), is a movie star, just looks so darn huggable
9. Clutch - Lehigh Mountain Hawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Thick white socks, talons sticking out of his shoes, and the look alone is cool
10. Cardinal Bird - Louisville Cardinals - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: That intimidating scowl, the wings, and the big feet
11. T-Rac - Tennessee Titans - NFL
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness (the raccoon being the state animal of Tennessee), the long tail, and the tongue sticking out of his mouth showing that goofy, playful side
12. Eli - Oral Roberts Golden Eagles - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The color, the overall look, and hopefully a better image from that whole fight thing
13. Big Red - Arizona Cardinals - NFL
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, rocks the team uni, energetic
14. Rameses - North Carolina Tar Heels - NCAA
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: The look on its face, the horns, rockin the uni, and just the overall look
15. Ace - Green Bay Gamblers - USHL
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The number 21, the ace up his sleeve (or behind his ear, or even somewhere else - you never know!), and just the fact he's a bobcat
16. Sir Purr - Carolina Panthers - NFL
Twitter Follower
NEW ADDITION! I'm developing a like for Panthers lately, as you will see, or other cats in general. Not sure why, but Sir Purr is so darn cute and huggable. Plus, I have to agree with Michael Vick on this one - the Panthers' unis are cool.
STANDOUT 'STICS: You can actually have his jersey, cute and huggable, the look on his face, and the long tail
17. Mr. Met - New York Mets - MLB
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin all of the team's uni combinations, the uniqueness, and big shoes
18. Will D. Cat - Villanova Wildcats - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
NEW ADDITION! There's just something about this wildcat that strikes me. The more I see it, the more I like it.
STANDOUT 'STICS: The big feet, the overall look, and rockin the team uni
19. Champ - Vermont Lake Monsters - MILB
No Facebook or Twitter, but did have a blog for a while
STANDOUT 'STICS: The back story (based on a true story...or is it?), the beautiful tail, and just the overall 'monster' look. Love the green and blue color, too.
20. Jaxson de Ville - Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL
No Facebook or Twitter (Surprise)
NEW ADDITION after the Pro Bowl. This is one cool jaguar. Why hadn't I seen it before?
STANDOUT 'STICS: The sunglasses are a nice touch but his face looks good without them, the overall jaguar look, and simply one cool cat, plus the name makes sense
21. Big Jay - Kansas Jayhawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the big beak, and the shoes (if only they were like the logo...)
22. Cy - Iowa State Cyclones - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness (a cardinal with cyclones), the claws on its feet, and its Evolution of Dance video
23. TC Panther - Northern Iowa Panthers - NCAA
Facebook Fan
NEW ADDITION, thanks to UNI's run in the Tournament. Another panther, I know, right? The face looks tough, but it's also fan-friendly and cool-looking.
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin the uni, LOVE the purple nose, the big feet, and the long tail
24. Southpaw - Chicago White Sox - MLB
Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Uniqueness, rocks the uni, stirrups
25. Willie Warhawk - Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Love the new addition with the white socks, the overall look, and the muscles on its wings
26. Tommyhawk - Chicago Blackhawks - NHL
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the four feathers on the head, rocks the uni (including pants!), and the tail
27. Hoppy the Bluejay - Johns Hopkins Blue Jays - NCAA
No Facebook or Twitter
STANDOUT 'STICS: Big feet, the interesting smile, energy on the sidelines
28. Slapshot - Washington Capitals - NHL
Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, the nice change to the beak making it more realistic, rockin' the uni, and those classic Jackass parody videos
29. Thrash - Atlanta Thrashers - NHL
Facebook Fan and Twitter Follower
STANDOUT 'STICS: Rockin the uni, love the intimidating look, his sense of humor too, and yeah, he repels into arenas too
30. Superfrog - TCU Horned Frogs - NCAA
Facebook Fan
STANDOUT 'STICS: The overall look, love the Horned Frog symbol with your fingers, and it's just one of the most unique nicknames in the NCAA
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2010 Vancouver Olympics!!!
Beginning tomorrow, my TV will mostly be glued to NBC and my Internet will be glued to the Vancouver Olympics' website.
Yes, the Vancouver Olympics officially kickoff tomorrow night, and there are several storylines that will definitely be followed.
But can I just say...since this is a mascot blog...THAT THIS YEAR'S MAY BE THE CUTEST EVER???
Granted, I have my thoughts and comments on each of them, as with any mascots. But as a whole, these three are just too irresistible.
Here's my thoughts:
SUMI: My least favorite of the three. And here's the thing...Olympic organizers believed that Sumi would be the least popular of the three, and yet his merchandise flew off the shelves faster than they could keep up. The reason being is that Sumi has an interesting back story. He's an "animal spirit" that wears "the hat of the orca whale", although it doesn't look anything like I've seen on an orca, the wings of a thunderbird (the only cool part) and the legs of a fuzzy brown bear. So I guess he's a hybrid creature...but really that's it. I can't make much else of it. Therefore, he's at the bottom of my list.
QUATCHI: The mascot that I am most like, according to Vancouver's online quiz. Probably because we share the same favorite winter sport (hockey). Quatchi's a big 'ol lovable Sasquatch, and probably the best representative of Vancouver of the three. He's a close second, but neither can hold a candle to...
MIGA: AAHH!!! She is too cute!!! What also makes Miga cool is that she's part orca whale, and then when she comes on shore, she turns into a sea bear. That's too sweet. She enjoys surfing and snowboarding (look out Hannah Teter and Shaun White, her dream is to nail a corked 720 in the halfpipe). She simply oozes cute and cool. And yes, before you ask, I follow her Twitter page.
I can't wait to see what the actual Games bring, but I can tell you that the 2010 mascots will go down as some of the best in Olympics history. These definitely do NOT suck, unlike others of years past.
Grade: A-
Enjoy the Games!
Yes, the Vancouver Olympics officially kickoff tomorrow night, and there are several storylines that will definitely be followed.
But can I just say...since this is a mascot blog...THAT THIS YEAR'S MAY BE THE CUTEST EVER???
Granted, I have my thoughts and comments on each of them, as with any mascots. But as a whole, these three are just too irresistible.
Here's my thoughts:
SUMI: My least favorite of the three. And here's the thing...Olympic organizers believed that Sumi would be the least popular of the three, and yet his merchandise flew off the shelves faster than they could keep up. The reason being is that Sumi has an interesting back story. He's an "animal spirit" that wears "the hat of the orca whale", although it doesn't look anything like I've seen on an orca, the wings of a thunderbird (the only cool part) and the legs of a fuzzy brown bear. So I guess he's a hybrid creature...but really that's it. I can't make much else of it. Therefore, he's at the bottom of my list.
QUATCHI: The mascot that I am most like, according to Vancouver's online quiz. Probably because we share the same favorite winter sport (hockey). Quatchi's a big 'ol lovable Sasquatch, and probably the best representative of Vancouver of the three. He's a close second, but neither can hold a candle to...
MIGA: AAHH!!! She is too cute!!! What also makes Miga cool is that she's part orca whale, and then when she comes on shore, she turns into a sea bear. That's too sweet. She enjoys surfing and snowboarding (look out Hannah Teter and Shaun White, her dream is to nail a corked 720 in the halfpipe). She simply oozes cute and cool. And yes, before you ask, I follow her Twitter page.
I can't wait to see what the actual Games bring, but I can tell you that the 2010 mascots will go down as some of the best in Olympics history. These definitely do NOT suck, unlike others of years past.
Grade: A-
Enjoy the Games!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Boomer Update, Plus The Pro Bowl
So yeah, about the second chance that I had to meet Boomer...well, it didn't fully materialize, but it was a great night overall and I learned some things. For one, the game was AWESOME, as my friend and I witnessed a second Purdue upset over Ohio State. Two different sports, in the same year. Unbelievable. The Purdue women stunned 4th-ranked Ohio State 63-61.
But as for Boomer, he obviously did some sick dunks at the half. I got some great pictures with my new digital camera (including one of him hanging on the rim upside-down), and I ALMOST got a mini-basketball thrown by him, but it fell one row short. He noticed the Boomer hat that I was wearing and it was intended for me; I'm sure of it.
But from that night, I learned TWO important things: 1) if you want to get a picture with Boomer (or any mascot), do it BEFORE the game because 2) they're only roaming in certain sections, especially sections 6, 7, and 8 in Mackey Arena. So sit in those sections if you want to have any mascot interactions. They never came close to the section my friend and I were sitting in. All in all though, it was a fun night.
What else was a fun night? The Pro Bowl last night (yes, I watched it and I thought it was exciting). The AFC pulled out a 41-34 victory on a late Chris Johnson TD, with QB Matt Schaub earning MVP honors. The best moment, though, was when Maurice Jones-Drew scored his first TD and Jaxson de Ville, the Jaguars mascot, was ALL OVER HIM as he went back to the sideline! Hilarious!
From what I could see, here were the mascots representing each of the conferences:
AFC - T.D. (Dolphins), KC Wolf (Chiefs), T-Rac (Titans), Jaxson de Ville (Jaguars), Billy Buffalo (Bills), and the Cleveland Browns mascot (not sure of his name)
NFC - Viktor (Vikings), Captain Fear (Bucs), Big Red (Cardinals), Blitz (Seahawks)
There might have been more, but that's all I've seen from the pics and videos I've researched.
But as for Boomer, he obviously did some sick dunks at the half. I got some great pictures with my new digital camera (including one of him hanging on the rim upside-down), and I ALMOST got a mini-basketball thrown by him, but it fell one row short. He noticed the Boomer hat that I was wearing and it was intended for me; I'm sure of it.
But from that night, I learned TWO important things: 1) if you want to get a picture with Boomer (or any mascot), do it BEFORE the game because 2) they're only roaming in certain sections, especially sections 6, 7, and 8 in Mackey Arena. So sit in those sections if you want to have any mascot interactions. They never came close to the section my friend and I were sitting in. All in all though, it was a fun night.
What else was a fun night? The Pro Bowl last night (yes, I watched it and I thought it was exciting). The AFC pulled out a 41-34 victory on a late Chris Johnson TD, with QB Matt Schaub earning MVP honors. The best moment, though, was when Maurice Jones-Drew scored his first TD and Jaxson de Ville, the Jaguars mascot, was ALL OVER HIM as he went back to the sideline! Hilarious!
From what I could see, here were the mascots representing each of the conferences:
AFC - T.D. (Dolphins), KC Wolf (Chiefs), T-Rac (Titans), Jaxson de Ville (Jaguars), Billy Buffalo (Bills), and the Cleveland Browns mascot (not sure of his name)
NFC - Viktor (Vikings), Captain Fear (Bucs), Big Red (Cardinals), Blitz (Seahawks)
There might have been more, but that's all I've seen from the pics and videos I've researched.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Bearcat Wins, Big Ten Rankings, and A Second Chance
I know I haven't posted in a while, but there's a LOT going on in the mascot world right now.
First off, on New Year's Day, it was announced that Bearcat from the University of Cincinnati was the winner of the 2009 Capital One National Mascot of the Year. Congrats to Bearcat and UC! Bill the Goat of Navy was the runner-up, so it was nice to see the service academy do well also. Congrats to all the members of the team. This is the 4th time in the past 5 years that a rookie has ended up winning the title!
Second...huge news for me...my best friend and I are going to the January 25th Purdue women's game against Ohio State. Why is this huge, you ask? Well, not just because it's Purdue, but it's a SECOND CHANCE for me to meet Boomer, the Pacers mascot! He's going to be there along with Freddie Fever and who knows who else for "Mascot Day" at Mackey. I tried last year and came up short, but it's nice to get another opportunity.
Finally, after seeing the Big Ten's great performance in the bowl season, I felt it was only fitting that I rank the Big Ten mascots.
Teams that Do Not Have Mascots:
Illinois - well, not anymore, because they were forced to retire Chief Illiniwek. You can't really replace that.
Indiana - Unless you consider "The Rock" a mascot. I don't. It's something the players touch for luck, like the Terrapin at Maryland or the "Play Like A Champion" sign at Notre Dame.
Michigan - Simply because a wolverine cannot be made kid-friendly (or adult-friendly, for that matter).
1. Herky the Hawk (Iowa)
I just don't understand the hate that some people have. Maybe because yeah, it seems a little simple, but he's been an icon of the school. Plus, there's two different forms. Seriously, what's not to love?
2. Purdue Pete/Boilermaker Special (Purdue)
Slightly biased, but Pete's definitely someone you wouldn't want to mess with - just look at the size of his hammer! Also, the official mascot of the train is definitely cool - and yes, I did get to ride on it during my time there and it's pretty darn sweet.
3. Goldy Gopher (Minnesota)
He can be energetic, especially during basketball games (seriously - watch him behind the basket at Williams Arena), but I also like a lot of the external features, from the buck teeth to the long, flat tail.
4. Sparty (Michigan State)
Clearly the toughest mascot in the conference. The look alone makes you feel intimidated.
5. Bucky Badger (Wisconsin)
If it weren't for a few others, he'd be lower on the list. He's so cocky, doesn't even look like a badger, and the look on his face is just...weird.
6. Nittany Lion (Penn State)
He's a lion, and lions are cool...but yet, the costume just screams 'Halloween gone bad'. The tail doesn't even save it.
7. Brutus the Buckeye (Ohio State)
Nuthead. Plain and Simple. Would be the worst if it weren't for...
8. Willie the Way Too Happy Rainbow Sunshine Wildcat (Northwestern)
WHY?! WHY DID YOU CHANGE HIM? It didn't make him better! I like the colors of the school and the logo, but MAN...one of the biggest mascot atrocities out there right now. "I'm all about hugs and candy now! I'm not fierce anymore!" That's what it says. Liked the old version, loathe the new one.
First off, on New Year's Day, it was announced that Bearcat from the University of Cincinnati was the winner of the 2009 Capital One National Mascot of the Year. Congrats to Bearcat and UC! Bill the Goat of Navy was the runner-up, so it was nice to see the service academy do well also. Congrats to all the members of the team. This is the 4th time in the past 5 years that a rookie has ended up winning the title!
Second...huge news for me...my best friend and I are going to the January 25th Purdue women's game against Ohio State. Why is this huge, you ask? Well, not just because it's Purdue, but it's a SECOND CHANCE for me to meet Boomer, the Pacers mascot! He's going to be there along with Freddie Fever and who knows who else for "Mascot Day" at Mackey. I tried last year and came up short, but it's nice to get another opportunity.
Finally, after seeing the Big Ten's great performance in the bowl season, I felt it was only fitting that I rank the Big Ten mascots.
Teams that Do Not Have Mascots:
Illinois - well, not anymore, because they were forced to retire Chief Illiniwek. You can't really replace that.
Indiana - Unless you consider "The Rock" a mascot. I don't. It's something the players touch for luck, like the Terrapin at Maryland or the "Play Like A Champion" sign at Notre Dame.
Michigan - Simply because a wolverine cannot be made kid-friendly (or adult-friendly, for that matter).
1. Herky the Hawk (Iowa)
I just don't understand the hate that some people have. Maybe because yeah, it seems a little simple, but he's been an icon of the school. Plus, there's two different forms. Seriously, what's not to love?
2. Purdue Pete/Boilermaker Special (Purdue)
Slightly biased, but Pete's definitely someone you wouldn't want to mess with - just look at the size of his hammer! Also, the official mascot of the train is definitely cool - and yes, I did get to ride on it during my time there and it's pretty darn sweet.
3. Goldy Gopher (Minnesota)
He can be energetic, especially during basketball games (seriously - watch him behind the basket at Williams Arena), but I also like a lot of the external features, from the buck teeth to the long, flat tail.
4. Sparty (Michigan State)
Clearly the toughest mascot in the conference. The look alone makes you feel intimidated.
5. Bucky Badger (Wisconsin)
If it weren't for a few others, he'd be lower on the list. He's so cocky, doesn't even look like a badger, and the look on his face is just...weird.
6. Nittany Lion (Penn State)
He's a lion, and lions are cool...but yet, the costume just screams 'Halloween gone bad'. The tail doesn't even save it.
7. Brutus the Buckeye (Ohio State)
Nuthead. Plain and Simple. Would be the worst if it weren't for...
8. Willie the Way Too Happy Rainbow Sunshine Wildcat (Northwestern)
WHY?! WHY DID YOU CHANGE HIM? It didn't make him better! I like the colors of the school and the logo, but MAN...one of the biggest mascot atrocities out there right now. "I'm all about hugs and candy now! I'm not fierce anymore!" That's what it says. Liked the old version, loathe the new one.
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