Thursday, October 14, 2010

FROM THE ALOTT5MA SEC MASCOT DESK:   Say hello to Georgia's Uga VIII and the University of Mississippi's Rebel Black Bear.  As to why the latter beat out a Land Shark, a "Hotty Toddy" and the Mon Calamari Supreme Commander of the Rebel Alliance Fleet, a "concept committee" explains:
In Mississippi, many stories that have been shared for generations center around our native black bear. In William Faulkner’s “The Bear”, Old Ben, a formidable black bear, is a symbol of pride, strength, and toughness. Additionally, the legend of the “Teddy Bear” originated in Mississippi when President Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a defenseless bear on a Mississippi hunt in 1902. The Rebel Black Bear, an imposing figure, would intimidate any opponent and be a real source of school spirit. Off the field, The Rebel Black Bear would be [a University of Misssissippi] ambassador, full of pride and welcoming any opportunity to spread the joy of being a Rebel.