Marc's Distinctive Mascot Collection: Extinct/Dropped Mascots



Last Updated: February 15, 2010


This is a list of distinctive mascots that high schools and colleges formerly used for their athletic teams. If you have any information you wish to share (e.g. additions or corrections), feel free to let me know. Schools that are already part of my mascot collection are marked with a pair of asterisks (**) and listed with their current name. I hope you enjoy your visit to this page and the rest of the mascot site.



HIGH SCHOOLS:

Agar Hi-pointers (SD) -- This school is closed.

Alpha Mastodons (MI) -- Consolidated with Crystal Falls HS in 1967.

Andrew Jackson Hickories (New York, NY) -- For the nickname of school namesake Andrew Jackson, who was dubbed "Old Hickory." The school is either closed or no longer operates under this name.

Archbishop Weber Red Horde (Chicago, IL) -- The school closed in 1999.

Arlington Purple Breezes (IN) -- Closed in 1968.

Ashland Black Diamonds (PA) -- Open from 1893 to 1965.

Ashland Dockerettes ** (WI) -- This name, which had been used by the girls' teams at Ashland, was recently dropped in favor of the same "Oredockers" name used by the boys.

Ayr Rifles (ND) -- This school is now closed.

Banquo Ghosts (Huntington, IN) -- The name was dropped in 1929.

Bedford Stonecutters (IN) -- The school operated from 1890 to 1973.

Bishop Hoban Argents (Wilkes-Barre, PA) -- The school was replaced as part of a consolidation in 2007. "Argent" is a term for something of value, such as gold.

Black Earth Earthmen (WI) -- The mascot was likely derived from the school name.

Bloomington Academy Immortals (IN) -- This school is now closed.

Blue Ridge Railbirds (GA) -- Ceased operations in 1955, when it was consolidated into a larger high school.

Bramwell Millionaires (WV) -- This high school, which closed in 1991, was located in a rich coal-mining area that once had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. At least 14 and as many as 19 millionaires lived in a town of 4,000 residents.

Brandon Tanagers (WI) -- This school is defunct.

Brownsville Brownies (PA) -- This name was changed to "Falcons."

Buffalo Seminary Sirens (NY) -- Currently called "Red Hawks."

Burlington Polar Cubs (IN) -- Closed in 1961.

Butler Windmills (IN) -- The school closed in 1963.

Cadiz Spaniards (IN) -- Closed in 1967. This was probably a play on words, since the town shares a name with Cadiz, Spain.

Cairo Pharoahs (WV) -- This school is closed.

Carnegie Little Tartans (PA) -- The school closed in 1969. Carnegie-Mellon University uses "Tartans" for their teams, so I think that's the source of this name.

Central Mirrors (Philadelphia, PA) -- The teams are now known as "Lancers."

Ceredo-Kenova Wonders (Kenova, WV) -- This school opened in 1921 and closed in 1998.

Chatsworth Bluebirds (IL) -- The high school closed in the 1980s.

Cherryvale Cherries (KS) -- They changed the name to "Chargers.".

Commercial Typists (Atlanta, GA) -- They later were known as "Red Raiders" until the school closed in 1947.

Conemaugh Iron Horses (PA) -- The school was open from 1913 to 1965.

Connellsville Cokers (PA) -- This mascot, used until 1966, was adopted because of the presence of the coke industry in the late 19th and early to mid 20th century. Coke was the fuel that fed the blast furnaces of the Pittsburgh steel industry. The teams are now called "Falcons."

Converse Bordermen (IN) -- Consolidated into Oak Hill HS in 1959.

Cory Apple Boys (IN) -- In the early 1920’s, Mr. E.A. Doud started the Cory Orchards and made Cory famous for its apples. After Mr. Doud’s death in 1965, the orchards were sold and eventually closed down. Cory High School closed in 1967.

Cynthiana Annas (IN) -- Closed in 1959.

Dacula Tramplers (GA) -- Now known as "Falcons."

Deer Creek Crickets (IN) -- Closed in 1958.

Delta Deltans (PA) -- The school closed in 1935. I'm guessing this was probably an extension of the school name.

DePauw Blue River Echos (IN) -- Closed in 1951.

Devils Lake Satans (ND) -- This name was dropped because many residents protested the idea of having their students being named after the epitome of evil. Now known as "Firebirds."

Dunkirk Speedcats (IN) -- This school ceased operations in 1975.

Dupont Coalcrackers (PA) -- Operated from 1937 to 1955 in a coal-mining area.

Edison Dynamos (GA) -- Consolidated into Calhoun County High School in 1963.

Edison Sparkplugs (WA) -- Edison merged with Burlington HS to create the Burlington-Edison Tigers.

Eddystone Stoners (PA) -- This school operated from 1929 to 1965. The mascot was probably derived from the school name.

Edwardsport Powers (IN) -- The area is known for its electrical plant. The school closed in 1962.

Elberta Bandits (MI) -- The high school operated from 1950 to 1956, when it was absorbed into Frankfort HS.

Epsom Salts (IN) -- I'll guess that this was a mascot chosen because of how it played on words. The school is closed.

Everly Cattlefeeders (IA) -- The school merged with Clay Central in 1990 and use the name "Mavericks.". The girls at Everly were known as "Cattlefeederettes."

Fairchance-Georges Runners (PA) -- This school ceased operations in 1986.

Flint Open Tasmanian Devils (MI) -- The school operated from 1976 through 1983.

Fontanet Beantowners (IN) -- The town has hosted a bean dinner since 1896.

Fort Branch Twigs (IN) -- The high school opened in 1920 and ceased operations in 1974.

Franklin Earthquake (Seattle, WA) -- Franklin's teams had been known as "Quakers" for many years. After concerns were raised about a public school using a religious symbol for its teams, this name was introduced as a replacement. But students, alums, and fans never took to the change, and the old Quaker nickname was revived after a couple of years.

Franklin Poor Richards ** (Philadelphia, PA) -- For Ben Franklin's famous almanac. The teams are now called "Electrons."

Gauley Bridge Travellers (WV) -- Now closed.

German Township Uhlans (PA) -- Closed in 1986. This is a term for German calvarymen armed with lances.

Gilberton Ducktowners (PA) -- Gilberton HS closed in 1959 when the borough became part of the Mahanoy Area School District. The borough got its "Ducktown" nickname mainly because of persistent flooding.

Glenbeulah Glens (WI) -- The school merged into Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah, whose teams are called "Resorters."

Granite Falls Kilowatts (MN) -- This name was due to the town's power plant. The name was changed to Kilo-Cards when Granite Falls merged with the Clarkfield Cardinals. A further merger saw a new school created, Yellow Medicine East HS, whose teams are called "Stings."

Gregory Girl-illas (SD) -- This name was used for the female athletes at Gregory HS. The girls' teams are now known as "Lady Gorillas." The boys are "Gorillas."

Gulf Cooties (New Port Richey, FL) -- The teams at Gulf were known as the Cootees and Cotteeites, also Cooties in the 1920s and 1930s. The school was formerly located on the Pithlachascotee River, which was usually called the Cootie River, although nowadays it is more commonly called the Cotee River. The school nickname was changed to the Buccaneers by 1940.

Hallsville Cannibals (MO) -- This mascot was changed in the 1950s to "Indians."

Harrisburg Academy Riversiders (Harrisburg, PA) -- The school closed in 1963.

Harrisburg Central Capitolians (Harrisburg, PA) -- The school closed in 1917 and was located in the capital city of Pennsylvania.

Hartford City Airedales (IN) -- Operated from 1906 until 1969.

Hartline Buckaroos (WA) -- The school has been a part of multiple mergers and is currently part of the Almira-Coulee-Hartline Warriors.

Hebron Green Giants (IL) -- The school is now part of Alden-Hebron HS, whose teams are called "Giants."

Henryetta Fighting Hens (OK) -- This mascot has since changed to "Knights."

Holton Warhorses (IN) -- The school closed in 1969.

Honey Creek Honey Bees (IN) -- Consolidated into Terre Haute HS in 1971.

Huntingburg Happy Hunters (IN) -- The school was replaced in 1972 by Southridge HS.

Hurst-Bush Hummers (IL) -- The school closed in 1966. "Hummers" refers to "Hummingbirds" in this case.

Ireland Spuds (IN) -- This school was closed in 1970.

Jefferson Mud Turtles (GA) -- Their teams are now called "Dragons."

Jonathan Law Lawmen (Milford, CT) -- This mascot was replaced by "Eagles," but many fans and media members still use the old name.

Kennard Leopardcats (IN) -- The school was open from 1915 to 1957.

Kingswood Kangaroos (Cranbrook, MI) -- The school merged with Cranbrook HS in 1984-85, and the athletic teams at the newly named Cranbrook Kingswood School retained Cranbrook's nickname of "Cranes."

Klondike Nuggets (West Lafayette, IN) -- Open from 1926 to 1970.

Ladoga Canners (IN) -- There was a canning factory in town. The school was open from 1905 until 1971.

LaGrange Veterans ** (GA) -- This name was dropped in favor of "Grangers."

Laguna Beach Artists (CA) -- This name was dropped in favor of "Breakers." Laguna Beach has a long history as an artists' colony.

Lake Geneva Resorters (WI) -- This school no longer operates.

Lanier Poets (Macon, GA) -- This school operated from 1920 to 1967.

Madison Central Downtowners (WI) -- This now-closed school was located just two blocks from the state capitol in downtown Madison.

Magnolia Blue Blizzard ** (New Martinsville, WV) -- The name was changed in 1933 to the Blue Eagles, the symbol of Franklin Roosevelt's National Recovery Act.

Marenisco Milltowners (MI) -- The town was the site of a sawmill. The school used a lumberjack as a symbol. They are now part of the Wakefield-Marenisco Cardinals.

Marion Pigeons (WI) -- Changed to "Mustangs."

Marycliff Dollies (Spokane, WA) -- This all-girls' school closed in 1979. The mascot was represented by a Raggedy Ann doll.

Masonic Home Craftsmen (Franklin, IN) -- Closed in 1944.

Masonic Home Mighty Mites (Ft. Worth, TX) -- This school closed in 2005.

Mauch Chunk Catholic Chunkers (Mauch Chunk, PA) -- This must have been derived from the now-closed school name.

Mecca Arabs (IN) -- Likely a play on words. The school closed in 1963.

Menlo Prep Acorns (CA) -- Menlo College, which had a relationship with the school, calls its teams "Oaks." Menlo Prep teams are now called "Knights."

Monmouth Zippers (IL) -- Monmouth merged into Monmouth-Rosevillle High School, which called its teams "Titans." I've heard three stories about how the "Zippers" name came into being. The first states that when Monmouth's basketball team, named the Maroons, played the Moline Maroons, sportswriters got confused with the two schools using the same nickname. It was described that Monmouth's speedy team "zipped past" their opponents, and Monmouth eventually changed their name from to the "Zippers." The second story says the name came from the zipper on the flies on the team uniform shorts. JV teams were called "Snappers," and freshmen teams were dubbed "Buttons" for the mechanism that secured their flies, according to that source. The third story credits a sportswriter for inspiring the school to change from "Zephyrs," a name derived from a train. Because the nearby Galesburg team used "Silver Streaks," also a train-derived name, Monmouth had been looking for an non-train identity of their own. When stories began including the phrase that Monmouth was "zipping" past its opponents, the community embraced "Zippers" as the new school mascot.

Monroe Wooden Shoe Canaries (SD) -- This school is closed.

Monroe City Blue Jeans (IN) -- The name "BlueJeans" is from the Honorable Govenor James D. “BlueJeans” Williams. The Govenor was from this community and being a country boy at heart, acquired this nickname from wearing home made bluejeans to the Govenor’s office. The school closed in 1967.

Mulberry Berries (IN) -- Open from 1910 to 1961.

Murray Smelterites (UT) -- Their teams go by "Spartans" these days.

Naselle Comettes (WA) -- This name for the girls' teams has been dropped in favor of the same "Comets" mascot used by the boys.

Nashville Swampers (GA) -- This high school no longer operates, as it was consolidated into Berrien High School in 1954.

Newport Township Nutcrackers (PA) -- The school closed in 1966.

Newton Little Washers (IA) --Newton is the home of the Maytag appliance company. The school used this mascot until they got tired of the opposing teams yelling "You're all washed up." Newton now uses "Cardinals" as a team name.

Nisland Beettoppers (SD) -- This school is closed.

Northumberland Pineknotters (PA) -- Operated from 1893 to 1964.

Ocilla Orphans (GA) -- They were called "Orphans" in the 1920s because they didn’t have a home football field. Ocilla's teams were also known as Aces, Blue and Gold Terrapins, and Indians before they were consolidated into Irwin County High.

Omega Planters (GA) -- This high school was consolidated into Tift County High in 1962.

Ontonagon Polar Bears (MI) -- The school was consolidated into the Ontonagon Area Gladiators after the 1969 season.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Tunas (Grosse Pointe Woods, MI) -- The school operated from 1971 to 1993.

Patty Welder Rosebuds (Victoria, TX) -- This name was adopted in 1919 but was supplanted by "Stingarees" in the 1920s. The school was replaced by Victoria High in 1958, whose teams were known as "Stingarees" until it merged with another school.

Pearson Derbies (GA) -- This high school consolidated into Atkinson County High in 1955.

Pekin Chinks (IL) -- One of the most infamous mascots in Amercian history, because of its connotations as an anti-Asian insult. I've been asked a number of times to add this mascot to this collection. It's here to show that not all distinctive and unique names are or were universally seen as positive. Reportedly, the city is located halfway around the world from Peking (Beijing), China. I've heard this name was represented by a Chinese workingman in a large hat. The mascot was replaced by the far less offensive "Dragons" in 1981.

Pimento Peppers (IN) -- I think this was a play on words.

Port Carbon Carbonites (PA) -- This school closed in 1934.

Poseyville Posies (IN) -- I'm guessing this was derived from the town name.

Quinn Quinntuplets (SD) -- The school has ceased operations.

Raleigh Sir Walters (IN) -- This school, now closed, seemed to have taken the ready-made opportunity for its nickname from the famous Sir Walter Raleigh.

Ritzville Broncettes (WA) -- This was used for the school's female teams. The girls now go by "Broncos," just as the boys do.

Rudolph Reindeer (WI) -- This school has ceased operations.

Rosedale Hot Shots (IN) -- Closed in 1986.

Sacred Heart Thorns (Roseville, MI) -- The school closed in 1971.

St. Anne Couturemen (Alpena, MI) -- This school is closed.

St. Gabriel Trumpeteers (Detroit, MI) -- The school closed in 1970.

St. Mary Shillelaghs (Bay City, MI) -- The school consolidated with Visitation High School in 1966.

St. Mary Rustics (Redford, MI) -- This school ceased operations in 1992.

St. Mary's Moyas (Scranton, PA) -- Open from 1930 to 1963. The mascot is an acronym: "Mother of Young Athletes."

Saltville Shakers (VA) -- In 1957, Saltville High School was replaced by R. B. Worthy High School.

Scircleville Ringers (IN) -- Consolidated into Clinton Central HS in 1959.

Scranton Holy Rosary Beads (Scranton, PA) -- Open from 1923 to 1951; the mascot probably was a play on words.

Seminole Celery Feds (Sanford, FL) -- The teams are now called "Fighting Seminoles. "Sanford was at one time a farm town known as "Celery City."

Shenandoah Catholic Mighty Atoms (PA) -- The school operated from 1927 to 1967.

Smithville Skibos (IN) -- The teams were symbolized by a penguin. The school was open from 1928 to 1972.

South Hills Airshafters (PA) -- This school closed in 1984. I think this refers to the shafts used in mines to deliver fresh air to the miners.

Spencer Cops (IN) -- Spencer was once the U.S. center of population (C.O.P.) according to the 1920 census.

Starkweather Stormkings (ND) -- The girls were called Stormqueens. This school combined with Munich HS into the Starkweather-Munich Magic Storm

Stinesville Quarry Lads (IN) -- 1827, Richard Gilbert opened a commercial limestone quarry in the area. The town calls itself "Birthplace of the Limestone Industry."

Summitville Goblins (IN) -- Consolidated into Madison-Grant HS in 1969.

Superior East Orientals (WI) -- Simply because the school was in the east ("oriental" is another term for "east") end of the city. Superior East was consolidated into Superior Senior High in the 1960s.

Terre Haute State Young Sycamores (IN) -- Indiana State calls teams "Sycamores." The school closed in 1978.

Tippecanoe Police Dogs (IN) -- Consolidated into Triton HS in 1963.

Trinity Springs Little Sulphurs (IN) -- Open from 1924 until 1943.

Trout Creek Anglers (MI) -- The school merged with Ewen High in 1967.

Twelve Mile Milers (IN) -- Closed in 1961.

Union Mills Millers (IN) -- The school was replaced by South Central HS in 1962-63.

University Univees (Bloomington, IN) -- Likely for its ties to the University of Indiana. The school was open from 1939 until 1972.

Vale Beetdiggers (SD) -- This school is closed.

Versailles Frenchies (IN) -- Also known as "Lions" and "Red & Whites" until the school was consolidated in 1966 into South Ripley High School.

Victoria Stingarees (TX) -- This school merged with Memorial HS, and the teams are called "Vipers."

Vulcan Giant-Killers (MI) -- The school operated from 1950 to 1964.

Warren Lightning Five (IN) -- Closed in 1966.

Weedsport Central Johnny Greens (NY) -- This name was selected around 1952. The mascot was a combination of the school color of green and the name of a long-time coach, teacher and administrator, John Skvorak. A leprechaun-type character represented the "Johnny Greens." The name was changed in 1973 to "Warriors."

West Baden Sprudels (IN) -- Closed in 1957. "Sprudel" is German for "spring." The area was known for its Sprudel mineral spring water.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy Coachmen (Wilbraham, PA) -- This mascot was changed to "Titans" in 2001.

Wilkes-Barre Saint Marys Marymen (Wilkes-Barre, PA) -- Closed in 1942. "Marymen" was likely an extension of the school's name.

William King Mighty Midgets (Abingdon, VA) -- This school was absorbed by Abingdon HS.

Winslow Squirrels (AR) -- The school closed in summer of 2005.

Winterville Sky Riders (GA) -- The school consolidated with Athens HS in 1956.


COLLEGES:

Alaska-Anchorage Sourdoughs (Anchorage, AK) -- This mascot came from a term used to describe Alaskan prospectors, who often used sourdough to make their bread. The school changed the mascot to "Seawolves" in 1977.

Arkansas St. Gorillas (Jonesboro, AR) -- This was replaced in 1930 by "Warriors," which gave way to "Indians" in 1931.

Arkansas Tech Wonderettes ** (Russellville, AR) -- This name was formerly used by the women's teams at Arkansas Tech until being dropped in 1975 for the current "Golden Suns" moniker. The men's teams still use "Wonder Boys" as a name.

Ball State Hoosieroons (Muncie, IN) -- I imagine that this name was inspired by the state nickname of Indiana, "The Hoosier State." This name was replaced in 1927 by the current "Cardinals" mascot.

Baltimore Super Bees (MD) -- The school dropped its athletics program in 1983.

Bellevue Helmsmen (WA) -- This name was replaced by "Bulldogs."

Bowling Green Normals (OH) -- This was a "normal" school, another name for a teacher training college. They are now called the "Falcons."

Bryn Mawr Mawrters (PA) -- Now known as "Owls."

Butler Christians (Indianapolis, IN) -- This name was dropped in 1919 in favor of "Bulldogs."

California State-Los Angeles Diablos (CA) -- This name, Spanish for "Devils," was replaced by "Golden Eagles" in 1980-81.

California State-San Bernadino Saint Bernards (CA) -- This was dropped in favor of "Coyotes."

Capital Fighting Lutherans (Columbus, OH) -- The name was changed to Crusaders in 1963.

Cedar Crest Classics (Allentown, PA) -- Now known as "Falcons."

Clinton Huskers (IA) -- Now known as "Cougars."

Converse All-Stars (Spartanburg, SC) -- The teams are now called "Valkyries." I've been told this name was inspired by the famous Converse All Star shoe brand. The women's college used the slightly different term "All-Stars" to avoid legal complications. The college bookstore sold special pairs of the shoes to Converse seniors.

Davidson Presbyterians (NC) -- This name, along with "Preachers," was used for Davidson teams until 1917, when the current "Wildcat" name was adopted after a football upset of Auburn. The school was founded in 1837 by members of the Presbyterian Church.

Earlham Fighting Quakers ** (Richmond, IN) -- They changed the name to "Hustling Quakers" after the college's board of regents decided that it was inappropriate for Quakers to fight.

Elon Fighting Christians (NC) -- The school decided to move away from the ironic image for a new symbol, the Phoenix.

Endicott Power Gulls (Beverly, MA) -- Now known as Gulls.

Erskine Seceders ** (Due West, SC) -- The early Erskine teams were known as "Seceders," not because of the state of South Carolina's famous decision to secede from the Union, but because the name acknowledged Erskine's relationship to the Associate "Seceder" Presbyterian Church in Scotland. In 1929, the name was replaced by "Flying Fleet" to commemorate the exploits of the football team.

Florida A&M Rattlerettes -- This name, used for FAMU's women's teams, fell out of favor. Female athletes at the school are now known as "Lady Rattlers."

Florida International Sunblazers (Miami, FL) -- Teams at this college are now called "Golden Panthers."

Geneva Covies (Beaver Falls, PA) -- This name, short for "Covenanters," which was applied to members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, was replaced in the 1950s by the current "Golden Tornadoes."

Georgetown Stonewalls ** (Washington, DC) -- This name was used when all Georgetown students were required to study Greek and Latin. A popular cheer, "Hoya Saxa!", which translates into "What Rocks!", led to the nickname being changed to "Hoyas."

Georgia Southern Professors (Statesboro, GA) -- The name was replaced by Eagles in 1959.

Georgian Court Courtiers (Lakewood, NJ) -- Replaced in 1977 by the far more aggressive "Lions."

Gonzaga Fighting Irish ** (Spokane, WA) -- At one time, Gonzaga aspired to be the "Notre Dame of the West." This name was dropped in 1921 favor of the current "Bulldogs" mascot. The "Zags" moniker has been used as an alternate nickname at Gonzaga for many years.

Greenville Gremlins (IL) -- The mascot was dropped in the 1940s in favor of "Panthers."

Grove City Grovers (PA) -- This name, used as alternate at Grove City for many years, was officially phased out in the 1980s. Grove City's teams are called "Wolverines."

Hamilton-Lincoln Aliens ** (Lincoln, NE) -- The teams are now called the "Wrecking Crew."

Hawaii Loa Mongoose (Kaneohe, HI) -- This college was absorbed by Hawaii Pacific University in the early 1990s. HPU's teams are called "Sea Warriors."

Hillsdale Dales (MI) -- Replaced in 1968 by "Chargers."

Hofstra Flying Dutchmen (Hempstead, NY) -- Officially dropped in favor of "Pride" in 2005. William S. Hofstra, the school namesake, provided the property for the school. When the doors opened in 1935, the sole building on campus was Hofstra’s mansion, which he had affectionately named "The Netherlands" after his homeland. The school alma mater, "The Netherlands," was written to the music of the Dutch national anthem.

Howard Iron Horse Express (Columbia, MD) -- The first route of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad ran through the county. Howard's teams are now called "Fighting Dragons."

Illinois-Chicago Circle Chikas (IL) -- The mascot was dropped because it sounded like "chicas," which is Spanish for "little girls." The teams are now the Illinois-Chicago Flames.

Indiana State Fighting Teachers ** (Terre Haute, IN) -- ISU started as a teacher training college. This name was replaced in 1922 by "Sycamores."

Jacksonville State Eagle Owls (AL) -- Named for a rare predatory bird found near Arctic Circle. This name was replaced in 1947 by the current "Gamecocks" moniker.

Jamestown Muskees (NY) -- This mascot was inspired by the muskellunge fish found in nearby Chautaugan Lake. It was replaced in 1962 by "Jayhawks."

Jersey City State Gothics (Jersey City, NJ) -- This name, for the style of architecture, was amended to "Gothic Knights" in 1983. The school is now called New Jersey City University.

Kent State Silver Foxes ** (Kent, OH) -- They were named for a former school president's silver fox farm. The teams were renamed "Golden Flashes" in 1926.

Knox Siwash ** (Galesburg, IL) -- This name was inspirted by Knox alum George Fitch’s humorous stories about "Good Old Siwash," depicting a group of high-spirited students making the most out of the extracurricular, athletic and social aspects of a residential college. Later it was found that the word "Siwash" was seen as insulting to Northwest Native Americans. The school never had a Native American or any sort of representation for the name, but decided to replace it in 1993 with "Prairie Fire."

Lehigh Engineers (Bethlehem, PA) -- This name was replaced in 1996 by the name "Mountain Hawks."

Life Running Eagles (Marietta, GA) -- The school dropped its intercollegiate athletics program in 2002.

Maharishi Gurus (Fairfield, IA) -- Now known as "Flyers."

Marycrest Marauding Eagles (Davenport, IA) -- The university closed in 2002.


Mississippi State Maroons (Starkville, MS) -- This name was used officially from 1932 until 1961 because it was one of the school colors. The current "Bulldog" nickname was adopted in 1961, though it had been used unofficially since 1905.

Missouri-St. Louis Rivermen (MO) -- This name was replaced by "Tritons." The women's teams were called "Riverwomen."

Nazareth Moles (Kalamazoo, MI) -- This college closed in 1992.

Nebraska Bugeaters ** (Lincoln, NE) -- They're now the "Cornhuskers," choosing in 1900 to use that mascot instead of the insect-eating bats that the school's teams used to be named after.

Neumann Nikes (Aston, PA) -- This name, the name of the Greek goddess of victory, was replaced in 1988 by "Knights."

New York State College for Teachers Pedagogues (Albany, NY) -- "Pedagogue" is another term for "teacher." The mascot was fitting for the school, a teacher training college. Their mascot was represented by "Pedwin," a penguin fitted with glasses, a professor's hat and book. The school is now known as the University at Albany, State University of New York.

North Carolina State Red Terrors (Raleigh, NC) -- The teams were renamed "Wolfpack" in 1946.

Northwestern Fighting Methodists (Evanston, IL) -- The team was known informally as the "Fighting Methodists" in reference to the religious denomination of the University's founders. They were also known as "Purple" for a time starting in 1892, when the color was adopted by the school.

Notre Dame Ramblers ** (IN) -- Notre Dame competed under the nickname "Catholics" during the 1800s and became more widely known as the "Ramblers" during the early 1920s in the days of the Four Horsemen. University president Rev. Matthew Walsh, C.S.C., officially adopted "Fighting Irish" as the Notre Dame nickname in 1927.

Nyack Fighting Parsons (NY) -- This name was dropped because the school didn't think that "Fighting Parsons" was not an adequate symbol for its teams. "Purple Pride," which was chosen as its replacement in 1998, was replaced in 2004 by the current mascot "Warriors."

Oklahoma State Aggies (Stillwater, OK) -- This name, or its longer form of "Agriculturalists," was used unofficially by Oklahoma A&M (As OSU used to be called) from the 1890s until 1924. The current Cowboy mascot was adopted after local writers began using that name for the college's teams. The Cowboy is called "Pistol Pete" in honor Frank B. "Pistol Pete" Eaton, an early U.S. Deputy Marshal, who headed Stillwater's Armistice Day Parade.

Oregon Webfoots (Eugene, OR) -- Named for the consistent damp weather; replaced in 1930s by "Ducks."

Oregon State Orangemen (Corvallis, OR) -- In the early days of the university, Oregon State's athletic teams were known as the Aggies (for Oregon Agricultural College). When orange uniforms replaced drab sweatshirt-gray and tan jerseys, the teams were called the Orangemen. In 1916, when the school yearbook was renamed "The Beaver," the current Beaver mascot became associated with the school.

Pacific Lutheran Gladiators ** (Tacoma, WA) -- This name was replaced by "Knights," which later gave way to the current "Lutes" nickname.

Philadelphia Textile Weavers (PA) -- This name was used because of the school's focus. The school's teams are now called "Rams."

Phillips Haymakers (Enid, OK) -- The college closed in 1998.

Pittsburg State Gussies (Pittsburg, KS) -- This name was used by the women's teams from 1974 until 1989, when they adopted the same "Gorillas" title used by the men.

Portland Cliffdwellers (OR) -- In honor of nearby Waud's Bluff. Portland's teams have been known as the "Pilots" since 1935.

Puget Sound Christian Anchormen (Everett, WA) -- The college closed in 2007. The female athletes were called "Anchors."

Rensselaer Polytechnic Bachelors (Troy, NY) -- RPI's athletic teams used this nickname from 1953 to 1958. RPI currently uses "Engineers" and "Red Hawks" as team names.

Rosemont Rosemonsters (PA) -- Now called "Ramblers."

Rutgers Queensmen (New Brunswick, NJ) -- This name was from the original name of the school, Queens College. The chanticleer, a fighting bird, also lent its name to Rutgers teams until 1955, when it was replaced by the Scarlet Knight.

St. Catherine Katies (St. Paul, MN) -- Known today as "Wildcats."

St. Ignatius Grey Fog (San Francisco, CA) -- The school changed its name and mascot in 1930 to the current San Francisco Dons.

St. Lawrence Larries/Lariettes (Canton, NY) -- The name changed to Saints in mid-1970s.

San Francisco State Golden Gaters (CA) -- This name was changed to "Golden Gators" in the 1950s, then reduced to "Gators" in the 1970s.

Salve Regina Newporters (Newport, RI) -- The teams are now known as "Seahawks."

Shoreline Samurai (WA) -- This name, adopted in 1965, was replaced by "Dolphins" in 1991.

Sonoma State Cossacks (Rohnert Park, CA) -- This name, recognizing the noted horsemen of the Eastern European steppes, was dropped in favor of "Seawolves" in 2002. The school decided to use a non-human mascot.

Southern Arkansas Riderettes (AR) -- This was used by the womens' teams as a derivative of the mens' "Mulerider" nickname. The womens' teams at SAU are now called "Lady Muleriders."

Southern California Methodists (Los Angeles, CA) -- This name was supplanted by "Trojans" in 1912 due to its unpopularity with school officials.

Southern Mississippi Southerners (Hattiesburg, MS) -- This nickname was used from 1941 until 1972, when the current "Golden Eagles" name was adopted.

South Carolina-Spartanburg Spartan Rifles (Spartanburg, SC) -- This name was adopted in the 1970s to honor a local militia unit that played a part in the Revolutionary War. It was replaced in 2004 by "Spartans," along with the school's name being changed to South Carolina Upstate.

Spalding Pelicans (Louisville, KY) --This name was replaced in favor of "Golden Eagles."

Stony Brook Baymen (NY) -- This name, long with "Soundmen," reflected the college's then-location near Oyster Bay. This name was later replaced by "Warriors" and then "Patriots." The school adopted its current name, "Seawolves," in 1994.

Stout Trainers (Menomonie, WI) -- Originally, the athletic teams of the Stout Training School (now the University of Wisconsin-Stout) were called the Trainers. For some unknown reason, the basketball team started using the name "Blue Devils" in 1928. What may have contributed to this is that during that basketball season, reporters from the Stoutonia often referred to the team as the "Blues" or "Blue Shirts." The football team continued to be called the Trainers until 1931 when it also took the name Blue Devils.

Swarthmore Little Quakers ** (PA) -- The mascot was replaced by "Garnet."

Texas Tech Matadors (Lubbock, TX) -- The "Matador" name was used from 1926 until 1936, when it was replaced by the current "Red Raiders" nickname.

Thaddeus Stevens Traders (Lancaster, PA) -- This nickname, for the school's focus on trade, was dropped in 1991 in favor of "Bulldogs."

Troy St. Red Wave (AL) -- This mascot was replaced by "Trojans" in 1973. The school has since renamed itself Troy University.

Umpqua Timbermen (Roseburg, OR) -- The college now calls its teams "Riverhawks."

U.S. International Globerunners (San Diego, CA) -- This school merged into Alliant International University. This name was used because of the school's global focus and diverse student population.

Wabash Valley Viscounts (Mt. Carmel, IL) -- Changed in 1965 to "Warriors."

Wake Forest Baptists ** (Winston-Salem, NC) -- For the college's religious roots. The teams at Wake were also known as the "Old Gold & Black" for the college's colors.

Washington Pikers (St. Louis, MO) -- Named for The Pike, which ran along Lindell Blvd. between DeBaliviere and Skinker, which was the World's Fair's amusement section. After the Fair, when the university moved to the Hilltop campus, the new campus' proximity to the Pike led to the tradition of using the nickname "Pikers" to refer to both athletic teams and W.U. students in general. This name was replaced in 1926 by "Bears."

Washington Sun Dodgers (Seattle, WA) -- This name commemorated the rainy weather of the Pacific Northwest. Now known as "Huskies" since 1922, since the "Sun Dodger" name was unpopular among the school community.

Washington and Jefferson First Ladies ** (Washington, PA) -- This name was used by the women's teams before they switched to the same "Presidents" mascot used by the men.

Wayne State Tartars (Detroit, MI) -- This mascot was adopted in 1927 and replaced in 2000-01 by "Warriors."

Western Carolina Teachers (Cullowhee, NC) -- This was used to show that Western Carolina was a teacher's college. They use the "Catamount," or puma (cat-of-the-mountain), as mascot these days.

Wichita St. Wheatshockers (KS) -- This has since been shortened to "Shockers."

Wisconsin-Fox Valley Trotters (WI) -- Changed to "Cyclones" in 1968.


Contact the Webmaster

Disclaimer

©2010. Marc Sheehan, All rights reserved.