As part of Missouri Southern State University’s 75th anniversary celebration, the school’s mascot will get a new look and perhaps a new name.
Potential names for the lion are Roary, Lenny, Leo and Luke, with the current name, Larry, also in the running. Before it was Larry, the mascot was known as Joe Juco, in honor of Joplin Junior College.
Roary is a name that was recommended by fans on Southern’s Facebook page.
“It’s a good opportunity for us, during the 75th anniversary of the university, to roll out a new mascot with a new name. It will be a fresh look,” said Aaron Lewis, assistant athletic director of marketing and corporate sales. He is overseeing the mascot project.
Voting, which has been going on for a couple of weeks, ends Thursday. The votes are counted on the MSSU athletics Web page at www.mssulions.com, which also is where people can go to vote.
On Monday afternoon, with nearly 390 votes cast, Leo was leading with 43 percent of all votes, followed by Roary. Luke was the least popular choice, with 5 percent of the votes. Larry had 9 percent.
The new costume and name will debut Friday at the homecoming picnic, and will be at the homecoming parade and football game on Saturday.
“The current look of the costume needed to be updated, and we also wanted something that could stay cool for whoever was wearing it,” Lewis said.
Johnny Boyer, a junior at MSSU, said he likes the idea of revamping the lion. “I think it fits really well with the 75th anniversary,” he said. “I like the name Roary best.”
Jarrod Pace, a 2012 Southern graduate, said he favors the name Lenny.
While some welcome the change, others favor preserving tradition.
“Changing the mascot’s name, to me, is unnecessary,” said Caravana Randall, a freshman. “We’d be losing a valuable piece of MSSU history. Why should we change something that’s not broken?”
“I would keep the name the same to preserve the traditions of MSSU,” said William Delehanty, an assistant professor of political science. “Changing the name of our mascot has the potential to alter our collegiate identity, and I think keeping our name the same helps to also preserve what it means to engage in athletic competition at MSSU.”
Kristen Livingston, assistant professor of communications, said she likes the name Larry best.
“However, whatever name the beloved lion receives will be welcomed,” she said.
The university is encouraging people to cast their votes before Thursday.
“Students can take ownership in this process and help name the future mascot for Missouri Southern,” Lewis said. “This mascot serves as a representation of all things Missouri Southern, and reflects the enthusiasm that students, faculty and staff have for their institution.”
Cooling vest
THE NEW COSTUME for the Missouri Southern State University mascot will contain a cooling vest designed to keep the wearer comfortable. The costume was created by Street Characters for $8,000, according to Aaron Lewis, assistant athletic director of marketing and corporate sales.
Local News
MSSU to unveil new mascot name, costume
- Local News
-
-
Registration continues for Get Fit TRYathlon in Pittsburg
On average, it costs more than $600 to match one child with an adult volunteer in the Crawford County Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Four years ago, the Get Fit TRYathlon was born as a fundraiser for the program, and it has been gaining momentum, organizers say.
-
Council to consider condemnation measures for widening projects
The Joplin City Council on Monday night will consider ordinances for proposed condemnation proceedings on five pieces of property that are needed for three street widening projects.
-
Andra Bryan Stefanoni: The story of two engines that could
It’s hard not to be enamored by trains if you grew up where I did. Pittsburg is crisscrossed by rail lines, as are many Southeast Kansas towns that were built on the backs of coal miners.
-
Jo Ellis: Mudslinging can be fun when it’s in the hands of kids
CARTHAGE, Mo. — It’s slick. It’s sticky. It’s goopy. It’s soupy. It’s Mudstock 2013, and it’s going to be so much fun for kids. But hold on. Carthage police Chief Greg Dagnan said Mudstock isn’t just for kids. “Adults go through it all the time, and they have just as much fun,” he said, adding, “I think.”
-
‘Lucky ’13’: 481 graduate from Joplin High School
Samantha Mahurin believes students in the Joplin High School class of 2013 are unique in that they have survived — together — what she calls the “roller coaster” of their high school career.
-
Announcements, picnics, tributes all scheduled for tornado anniversary event
Wednesday’s second anniversary observance of the May 22, 2011, tornado that devastated the Joplin and Duquesne area is expected to include several key announcements.
-
Susan Redden: Lawmakers pass bills to benefit veterans
Joplin area legislators scored some victories the last week of the Missouri General Assembly’s session, but if anyone is keeping count, the record has to go to Rep. Charlie Davis.
-
Interfaith services an outgrowth of 2011 tornado in Joplin
Celebrating community and rebuilding, members of three faiths came together Sunday at the Landreth Park amphitheater as part of an ongoing interfaith effort that came out of the aftermath of the May 22, 2011, tornado.
-
FACES OF RECOVERY: 176,869 volunteers help put Joplin together again
They initially came in droves, pouring into Joplin by the thousands during the months following the May 2011 tornado to clear debris, clean up damaged homes and businesses and distribute donations of food, water, clothing and other necessities.
-
Civil War committee honors sacrifice of soldiers ambushed at Rader Farm
Dozens of local residents gathered Saturday at the Rader Farm on the 150th anniversary of the massacre of 15 soldiers of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry and three white soldiers from the 2nd Kansas Volunteer Artillery Battery by guerrilla Confederate forces.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Registration continues for Get Fit TRYathlon in Pittsburg
