While Northwest Rankin High School—from whence I graduated—was being built, I was among a lucky select number of high school students who were picked to help determine the high school colors and mascot for the future school. So much time has passed that I honestly don’t remember how influential my fellow students (of whom I can only remember three. There may have been more, but I only remember the three…possibly because they are female) and I were. I do remember we did not want to be anything similar to Pearl or Brandon (the schools from which most of the students for NWR would be drawn) and we didn’t want to be like Ole Miss or MSU. Those in the area know, of course, that we went with a Cougar and with Southern Miss colors.
All that is said to say I think it would be more interesting if professional athletic teams were to choose their mascots reflective of town history or even town (regional) personality. I realize there is a tiny instance of that now, but barely so much as to be noticeable. Therefore, I’d like to propose the following new names to be more representative of the communities they serve.
Boston WitchBurners
Atlanta Smokestacks (you non-history folks ask someone interested in history why this one makes sense)
NY Hurryups
NY Stuckups (they DO have two teams, y’know)
Minnesota Cheeseheads
Miami Crackheads
San Francisco Fruits & Nuts (okay, so 49ers worked, but not so much anymore)
Tennessee Hillbillies (Banjo-pickers is a close second)
Dallas Guntoters
New Orleans Crocodile Eaters (though “hunters” came in a close second)
Chicago Rumrunners (Mafia comes a close second)
LA Smogs
Houston Oilers (yeah—see, that one once made sense)
St. Louis Flood
Washington Liars (keep in mind this is DC, not the state!)
I could keep going, but I think it might be more interesting for any and all additional thoughts and suggestions to the list. No, I don’t expect anyone with enough clout to pay attention to this list, but it is fun putting together.
I’m sure I’ll have something more serious to say next week.