Since the University of Arkansas student body voted in 1910 to adopt the Razorback as their mascot, inspired by a spirited remark from their coach about his team playing like “a wild band of Razorback hogs” against LSU, Arkansas has proudly embraced its hog heritage. This change, along with the leadership of Coach Hugo Bezdek, set a standard for school spirit in the state. While the Razorback remains a beloved icon, with mascots like Big Red, Sue E., and Pork Chop alongside the live boar Tusk VI, Arkansas boasts an impressive array of high school mascots that also deserve recognition.
Iconic and Creative Mascots
At the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs, students chose the dolphin as their mascot in the early ’90s, aligning with the animal’s intelligence. The school’s mascot costume, the Cyborg Dolphin, adds a modern twist to tradition. Even without a football or basketball team, the Cyborg Dolphin brings enthusiasm and energy to events like Quiz Bowls and robotics competitions.
Several Arkansas high schools share the “Yellowjackets” mascot, inspired by the hit TV show of the same name. Among these, Sheridan High School’s Buzz Stingerton stands out, adding a vibrant flair to the student spirit. However, the most intriguing mascot might be the Wampus Cat of Conway. This six-legged mythical creature, recognized in its own right with a dedicated Wikipedia page and a bronze statue on campus, boasts a unique folklore: four legs for speed and two for battling.
The popularity of bulldogs can be seen across the state, with 13 schools adopting them as their mascots. Yet, only Alma proudly claims the Airedale Terrier, making it a notable canine representative. The Airedale Terrier statue outside the Alma Arts Center has become a photo hotspot for fans of this charming breed.
Mascot Tales and Legends
Rogers High School’s Mountaineer logo, depicting a hillbilly hat-wearing figure smoking a pipe, has sparked some controversy over the years. In a 1993 incident, students protested when the school removed the figure’s pipe and jug, leading to a “save the pipe” movement during homecoming festivities. The logo still holds a special place, even making it onto debit cards for local bank customers.
Arkansas is home to numerous devil mascots, including the Blue Devils of Shirley and West Memphis, the Red Devils of Augusta and Mountain Pine, and even the Go-Devils of Gurdon. Each of these adds to the state’s rich tapestry of spirited representations.
The Danville Little John mascot may seem puzzling at first, but it’s deeply rooted in local lore, linked to the nearby Petit Jean State Park. The tale of a French girl nicknamed “Petit Jean,” who disguised herself as a boy to join her lover, gives the mascot a poignant backstory, adding to the school’s identity.
Finally, the Dardanelle Sand Lizards stand out as a unique mascot, despite the fact that sand lizards are not native to North America. Celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, the school district will honor this distinctive mascot that embodies the spirit of creativity and community pride in Arkansas.
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Source : https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2023/06/01/dolphins-devils-and-sand-lizards-arkansas-is-a-mascot-state