The topic of the Northern Iowa mascot is an interesting one, as it has been a subject of controversy and debate over the years. The mascot, currently known as "T.C.," has evolved over time and undergone several changes in response to feedback from the public and the university community. Initially, the mascot at Northern Iowa was a Native American representation named "Joe Panther." This mascot was in use from the 1950s until the early 1990s.
" This mascot was in use from the 1950s until the early 1990s. However, as awareness and understanding of cultural appropriation and sensitivity grew, there was a shift in attitudes towards the use of Native American mascots in sports. In 1994, the university retired the Native American mascot and underwent a rebranding process.
Which Iowa College Mascots Could You Beat In A Street Fight?
While other former athletes who are in my position also have this feeling, I differ in one way. They think about the players on the field or court, but I am thinking about those annoying, over-the-top, fan-crazed creatures, known as mascots, specifically Iowa ones.
My thoughts are about whether I can take these maniacs down in an unsanctioned, “ Fast & Furious -like” street fight. Here are my competitors:
Herky the Hawkeye
Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Herky is one of the most intimidating mascots on the college sports landscape, and he is a tough matchup. Like the football team, he will make me earn it throughout the fight. Herky will have a tough defense but with his chicken wing arms, his offense will be limited. Herky can make up for this lack of offensive firepower with his athleticism.
Street fight: Despite using my youthful fandom of Iowa State University as motivation, I would lose this slow and excruciating fight. It is one of those times I enter the fight thinking I have a chance, but by stepping into it, I already had zero chance. The main reason for losing is Herky’s crazed look. The worst part about it is the look never changes! No one can beat a mascot with the look Herky has on his face.
Cy the Cardinal
(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Thankfully, this is an unsanctioned street fight. Otherwise, the Iowa State fans would complain after the fight about how the “Big 12 refs” were out to get them. Fortunately, Cy has a beautiful smile that gives me zero fear. The bad part is Cy has more muscle in his upper body, normal arms, and a secret weapon which is his tail.
Street fight: If I was fighting old-school Cy , I would have no chance. That Cy might show up with a taser to the street fight. New Cy is a different story. Despite his muscular physique, he is going down. I would use my frustration of not understanding why a cardinal represents a team known as Cyclones as motivation. Cy’s happy look also gives him a disadvantage; I would give him a quick hook to wipe that smirk off his face. I would easily win this fight.
TC the Cat
Photo courtesy of the University of Northern Iowa
I scouted TC at football games, basketball games, and campus activities, during my time as a student at the University of Northern Iowa. While he is the most “fur-ocious” mascot of the three public state universities, I know his weak spots. Unlike the two scrawny birds at Hawkeye or Cyclone events, TC is pure muscle. This unsanctioned street fight better take place in the light because if it is dark, I will be at a major disadvantage.
Street fight: It will be tough to fight the mascot of Iowa’s greatest university. At the end of the day, however, it does not matter because I will dominate TC.
Spike the Bulldog
(Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
This is where my love of dogs comes haunt me. It will be tough to fight a dog. While bulldogs sound like they never can get a full gasp of air, they, including Spike, pack the muscle. This Drake University mascot has those wild eyes like Herky. Bulldogs are typically short and slow, but Spike is a different breed. Since Spike is from a highly regarded law school, he knows how to skirt the laws to give him advantages in the fight.
Street fight: If it is Griff II , I will lay down my arms and let Giff II reign supreme. He is the cutest. Unfortunately, the fight with Spike would be no different. His vastly bigger size would dominate me in the fight. In addition to his pointy teeth, I must watch out for his 50-pound noggin. He delivers one headbutt, and I will be seeing stars.
While I could end with the four biggest university mascots in Iowa, a true fighter never quits. Here are a couple of Division III mascots I will take on in a street fight:
Buford T. Beaver
Photo courtesy of Buena Vista University
This Buena Vista University mascot is the best-named mascot in Iowa. My biggest fear is avoiding his one large tooth which he could use to gnaw on me during the fight. The rest of his body looks scrawny. However, with this unsanctioned street fight taking place on a street, it will provide a significant advantage for me as Buford will be out of his element.
Street fight: Buford does not need to show up. Once he steps foot in the street fight, he will have already lost. This silly, happy-go-lucky beaver stands zero chance in a fight with me. This fight will be a rout.
Thunder the Elephant
Photo courtesy of Simpson Athletics
Worse than Iowa State University’s transgression of using a Cardinal as a Cyclone mascot, the Simpson College Storm have an elephant as their mascot. Athletic Director Marty Bell tried to explain this preposterous mascot sin to KNIA News by noting elephants are intelligent and have wisdom like their student-athletes. Besides the absurd assertion and elephants’ gentle demeanor, this mascot is the biggest and one of the smartest animals in the animal kingdom. Thunder also has the advantage of being able to use his trunk in separate ways in this unsanctioned street fight.
Street fight: The hardest part of fighting an elephant is its cuteness. This is a major disadvantage. Something feels wrong about fighting one of the kindest animals in the world. This will give Thunder the opening he needs. I stand no chance of overpowering an elephant once Thunder has control. Thunder will win our fight more times than not.
Final Record: I would be 3-3 after these fights. That is a decent record for this former high school and G-League “athlete.” The good news is there are many more Iowa mascots to go. I await your challenges in the streets. See you soon.
by Sean Dengler
12/23/22
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Street fight: Despite using my youthful fandom of Iowa State University as motivation, I would lose this slow and excruciating fight. It is one of those times I enter the fight thinking I have a chance, but by stepping into it, I already had zero chance. The main reason for losing is Herky’s crazed look. The worst part about it is the look never changes! No one can beat a mascot with the look Herky has on his face.
The goal was to create a new mascot that would not offend or appropriate any particular culture. The result was "The Panther," a sleek and modern representation of the university's athletic spirit. Despite this change, there have still been ongoing discussions about the appropriateness and significance of the new mascot. Some argue that using an animal mascot, such as a panther, is a more inclusive and neutral choice. Others, however, feel that the mascot lacks a distinctive identity and does not adequately represent the university's heritage and traditions. To address these concerns, the university introduced "T.C." as a secondary mascot in 2016. T.C. stands for "The Cat," and it is a playful and energetic depiction of a panther. The introduction of T.C. was an attempt to maintain a connection to the university's panther heritage while also respecting the concerns raised by the community. The debate surrounding mascots is not unique to Northern Iowa but is a broader issue in sports and educational institutions across the country. It raises important questions about cultural appropriation, representation, and inclusivity. As times continue to change, universities and organizations must constantly reevaluate their mascots and symbols to ensure they align with evolving societal norms and values. Overall, the Northern Iowa mascot has gone through significant changes and adaptations throughout the years. The retirement of the Native American mascot was a significant step towards addressing concerns of cultural appropriation, and the introduction of T.C. as a secondary mascot acknowledges the importance of maintaining a connection to the university's heritage. The ongoing discussion surrounding mascots is an opportunity for growth and reflection, ensuring that universities and communities continue to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all..
Reviews for "Capturing the Spirit: The Northern Iowa Mascot's Impact on Student Engagement"
1. Sara - 1 star
I found "Northern Iowa mascot" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The mascot itself was also underwhelming and didn't add any excitement to the plot. Overall, I was disappointed with this film and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 2 stars
"Northern Iowa mascot" had potential but failed to deliver. The pacing was off, with too many slow and draggy scenes. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Additionally, the cinematography was bland and didn't capture the essence of the story. It's a shame because with some improvements, this film could have been much more enjoyable.
3. Emily - 1 star
I couldn't finish watching "Northern Iowa mascot" as it failed to engage me from the start. The acting was subpar, the plot lacked originality, and the humor fell flat. It was clear that this film was trying to be a quirky comedy, but it simply came across as awkward and cringe-worthy. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this movie if you're looking for something entertaining and engaging.