By Landon Troka
Cool Graphic here from Pop Art
12) California Baptist Lancers – an obscure reference to a medieval weapon and weapon holder. Lancer is held as a subsection of Knight in the above info graphic, so Lancer is really a more specific way to say night. CBU gets last place for trying to make a bland mascot, less bland.
11) Academy of Art Urban Knights – Throwing a random modifier (urban) in front of a common nickname (knights) can sometimes work in creating a good mascot. A for effort, C – for execution for Urban Knights. Fun Fact: the Urban Knights were “an all star smooth soul and R&B jazz band” from the ‘90s, so points there for Art U.
10) Dixie State Red Storm – Similar to the Urban Knights, DSU took a mascot and added a modifier. They share the mascot with two other schools so it’s not that original, but more of a real than an Urban Knights, so the nod to DSU over Art U.
9) BYU – Hawaii Seasiders – Again another original mascot. I can’t find anything online about its origins, but it gets points for being a presumably real thing – people that live next to the sea. Strikes out in the intimidation department though, and because it just doesn’t have a cool story such as the Silverswords.
9) Azusa Pacific Cougars – According to the linked infographic, there are at least 30 schools in the country with the mascot ‘Cougars’ so zero points for originality, but at least it’s a real thing that exists near the campus.
8) Holy Names Hawks – Almost a word for word repeat of the APU explanation, the Hawks beat out the Cougars based on alliteration and that fact that there are only 28 schools with Hawks as a mascot, so slightly more original.
7) Fresno Pacific Sunbirds – What’s a sunbird? That really all the justification needed. If you’re going to basically make up your mascot, pick something more intimidating then a sunbird. Although points for having a mascot that is entirely unique to the institution
6) Hawai’i Pacific Sharks – Although it would seemingly be more common, there are only four schools in the country with the mascot sharks. And it works for a team in Hawai’i.
5) Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions – While Lions may be a common mascot, but Sea Lions is totally unique to the PLNU. For those who think the marine mammals aren’t very intimidating: You’re probably right, but they get a pass because the Sea Lion is cuddly enough (similar to the penguins) to be exempt from traditional expectations of an intimidating mascot.
4) Dominican Penguins –Rated this highly because it’s both original and humorous, although there is the Youngstown State Penguins and Pittsburg Penguins of the NHL. So I guess it’s here mostly for being humorous and falling into the cuddly mascot category. Also this highly rated because the actual penguin logo the school uses is pretty cool.
3) Notre Dame de Namur Argonauts – For those who don’t know what an Argonaut is (why would you) they’re ancient warriors from Greek mythology. Or they’re a type of octopus, which I personally like more. Regardless NDNU found a traditional theme (warriors, Spartans, ancient people who fought) and made it slightly more original.
2) Chaminade Silverswords – Actually named after a plant only found on Maui on the side of a volcano and not a color and a weapon. The mascot gets big originality points for something that sounds cool and is entirely original. The actually plant is pretty cool looking, even if it doesn’t translate well to an actual logo (the current one is an odd mix of the plant and an actual sword, which I’m just now figuring seeing.)
1) Hawaii- Hilo Vulcans – Topping the list are the Vulcans. What’s a Vulcan you ask? Well, besides for being a race inside the star trek universe it’s the Roman god of fire and volcanoes, which is equal parts applicable to the university, cool, and original. Congratulations Hawaii-Hilo for topping this arbitrary list.