The college panther mascot holds a significant role in fostering school spirit and representing the college at various events and athletic competitions. Panthers are known for their strength, agility, and assertive nature, making them an ideal representation for college sports teams. The panther mascot serves as a symbol of motivation and pride for the college community. It encourages students, faculty, and alumni to rally behind their teams, creating a sense of unity and belonging. The presence of the panther mascot at games and events boosts morale and energizes the crowd, creating an atmosphere of excitement and support. In addition to promoting school spirit, the panther mascot also plays a crucial role in representing the college's values and traditions.
Notes from the Desk: Is it time to reconsider our mascot?
While I love the iconic panther statue and #rollpants as much as the next Midd Kid, I can’t help but wonder why a school in rural Vermont has a black panther, which has never roamed the area, for a mascot. We’re among 33 colleges with this mascot, and the panther is the fourth most popular college mascot, following the bulldog, the tiger and the eagle. Surely, we can come up with a mascot that is more unique to Middlebury and better suits the character of the college.
First, a brief history lesson about how the panther mascot came about: in 1922, a local merchant named Fay Evans sponsored a naming contest to pick an appropriate mascot for the college. Most responses were for felines like bobcats, lynxes, catamounts or semi-aquatic animals like otters or beavers. The judges, consisting of President Paul Moody, football coach Arthur Brown and Campus editor Eddy Kalin, class of 1923, selected none of those and opted for the black panther. This arbitrary decision was not grounded in a widespread consensus and bore no connection to the region. So, is it time for a change?
In 2012, Damon Hatheway ’13.5 wrote an op-ed, “A Call for a New Mascot,” and opined that Middlebury should match the individuality and creativity of the other NESCACs. Compared to the Tufts Jumbos and the Connecticut College Camels (and I hate to say it, but the Williams Ephs, manifested as a purple cow), the panther falls flat. Hatheway suggested that we rebrand as the Middlebury moose, a powerful animal that roams Vermont forests.
While I’m also suggesting that we consider a new mascot, I don’t think the moose is the path forward. Instead, I believe that we have a potential new mascot hanging out in the local creek: the otter. Not only does the Middlebury Otters have a nice ring to it, I also think it’s more creative and better represents the character of Middlebury.
River otters, like the kind found in nearby Otter Creek, strike a careful balance between being cute and playful but also ferocious in their own right. Otters are very intelligent and construct elaborate burrows to live in. Like many students on campus, they’re nocturnal animals. According to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, they have a curious nature and will sometimes slide along the river banks into the water for pleasure.
But, otters are also strong and athletic creatures. They are remarkable swimmers and divers, and they are fierce hunters. They’re carnivorous and can hunt in deep and shallow water, catching fish and other small animals. Historically, they’ve been hunted for their thick, valuable fur. However, thanks to protective regulations, their population numbers have been increasing.
Also, unlike the more solitary panther, otters are often spotted with each other and have small social circles. A group of otters on land is known as a romp. In the water, they’re known as a raft.
As a bonus, otters are bicoastal and could potentially be a tie to the Monterey Institute in California, an area also famously home to otters (albeit a different type).
This is all to say otters would make a more fitting and creative Middlebury mascot. While the panther certainly has its merits, it’s one of the most generic college mascots. The otter is both a ferocious predator and — unlike Williams’ purple cows — exists in real life. It's also unique enough to capture the character of a small college in Vermont. An otter mascot would further our connection to the local community and maintain the strength and creativity of the college. I can already imagine a giant bronze statue of a river otter overlooking the stadium, and t-shirts saying stay four otters apart.
Charlie Keohane ’24 is an Editor at Large.
Charlie Keohane ’24 (she/her) is an Editor at Large. She previously served as the SGA Correspondent and a Senior Writer.
She is an environmental writing major and a psychology minor from Northern California. Outside of academics, Charlie is a Senior Admissions Fellow at the Middlebury Admissions Office. She also is involved with the women’s track team and hosts Witching Hour, a radio show on 91.1 WRMC. In Spring 2023, she studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, watching Greta Gerwig movies, polar plunging, sending snail mail, and FaceTiming her rescue dog, Poppy.
Preserve Our Panthers (POP)
Educate the community and raise awareness for the preservation of the Florida panther.
History of the Panther Mascot at PBSC
When Palm Beach Junior College opened its doors in the Fall of 1933, there weren't enough students to field a baseball team. When sports were introduced, the mascot name was the “Rebels”. Over the years, the Rebels name fell out of favor and was changed to the “Pacers”. The Pacer was a harness racing horse. Finally, the College changed its name in 1988 to Palm Beach Community College. In 1991, the Board of Trustees designated the Florida panther as the PBCC mascot. In 2008, a committee was formed to name the panther mascot. A call went out to vote on names that were suggested by students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. Palmer was the chosen name. Palmer the Panther represents the College in sports, academic pursuits and student activities. Since 2010, the College became Palm Beach State College, due to the bachelor’s degree offerings, and are still known as the Panthers.
President Edward Eissey with a Florida panther
The goal of this group is to show our Panther pride while making students aware of efforts that they can do to help preserve our panthers.
Plight of the Panther
Please read some of the info below about the plight of the Florida panther.
- Facts About America's Big Cats
- Fading Florida Panthers
- Florida Panther Factoids
- Heroic Measures to Save Florida's Panthers
- Push to Save Endangered Florida Panther
The state of Florida has seen the massive decline of the Florida Panther over the last 85 years. The main reason panthers die is getting hit by cars. To protect the Florida panther, the main thing that can be done is to follow set speed limits on rural roads, Alligator Alley, the Florida Turnpike, and even I-95. Below are links to some of the wildlife corridors and maps of individual panthers.
- Mapping the Florida Wildlife Corridor
- Florida Wildlife Corridor Video
- Florida PantherNet Quick Maps
- The Nature Conservancy
Links to Florida Panther Preservation & Conservation
Learn what to do if you encounter a Florida panther.
- National Wildlife Federation
- Florida State Animal
- Living in Panther Country
- Florida Panther Safety Tips
History of the Georgia State Panthers Mascot
Pounce on this piece as we examine a history of the Georgia State Panthers mascot that goes beyond the fledgling existence of the football team.
April 22, 2023 April 22, 2023Although the college football program has only been in existence since 2008, the Georgia State Panthers’ mascot history goes well beyond then. Pounce on this piece to discover the origins of the Panthers mascot and a deep(ish) dive into the nickname history of the Georgia State program.
In addition to promoting school spirit, the panther mascot also plays a crucial role in representing the college's values and traditions. It embodies the college's competitive nature, resilience, and determination, inspiring athletes and fans alike to strive for excellence and embrace sportsmanship. Apart from sporting events, the college panther mascot is often seen at parades, pep rallies, and community outreach events.
Who (or What) Is the Georgia State Panthers Mascot?
“Pounce” is the official Panthers mascot. He was created in 1993 to support the Georgia State basketball team and became the de facto mascot for the university’s football team. In fact, it was the creation of the football program that motivated Georgia State to update the Panthers mascot with an improved design.
Described by the school as being “one of the most recognizable and beloved mascots in the Atlanta area,” Pounce is a costumed personification of a panther, although we’re not sure we’ve seen too many wild animals come in the distinctive shade of blue fur taken from the color of the program’s sports uniforms.
The 6’0″ tall mascot boasts a three-foot long tail and a ferocious white fanged face with foreboding black eyebrows. Despite being aggressive in features, Pounce actually holds a kids club for young Panthers fans aged 10 and under. In addition to free admission to home games, members have a chance to be the coin toss kid at Georgia State games.
While describing him as ferocious, Pounce is somewhat less terrifying now than the original 1993 creation that featured a nightmarish combination of yellow eyes, a red nose, and yellow claws.
Pounce hasn’t always been the Panthers mascot, however. The original mascot for the Georgia State basketball team was known as “Claws the Panther” — another blue costumed beast who first appeared in the early 1980s.
Claws was replaced as the Panthers mascot in 1989 by Urbie, who was a crimson-colored costumed mascot. Urbie’s distinct change of pigment led to the program being referred to as the Georgia State Crimson Panthers for a short while, but that ceased after just a short four-year reign for Urbie.
In addition to the costumed Panthers mascot, Georgia State boasts a life-size bronze statue that stands proudly outside the university. It has stood there since being gifted to the university in 2004. The statue is a symbol of good luck for students and has become part of the university traditions — resulting in a discolored nose.
According to an article on the Georgia State website, “freshman are recommended to touch the panther’s nose for a successful academic year. The luck of the university continues on if you rub the panther’s nose before sporting events and exams.”
Its presence helps to strengthen ties between the college and the local community, fostering a sense of pride and engagement among residents. To successfully fulfill its role, the panther mascot undergoes rigorous training to perform tricks, stunts, and dances. The performer inside the costume must also embody the panther's characteristics, such as grace, agility, and confidence. They must interact with the crowd, engage in cheers, and maintain a positive and enthusiastic demeanor at all times. Overall, the college panther mascot serves as a symbol of school spirit, pride, and unity. It encourages the college community to come together and support their sports teams, while also representing the college's values and traditions. Through its presence at various events, the panther mascot helps foster a strong sense of belonging and pride, both within the college and the surrounding community..
Reviews for "The Journey of a College Panther Mascot: From Freshman to Senior Year"
1. John - 2/5 - The College Panther Mascot was a huge disappointment. First of all, the costume looked like it was made by a kindergartner - the craftsmanship was shoddy and the materials felt cheap. Secondly, the mascot performer seemed disinterested and lacked any energy or enthusiasm. The whole experience felt lackluster and uninspiring. I expected better from a college mascot.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I cannot express how underwhelmed I was by the College Panther Mascot. The costume was outdated and far from intimidating. It's supposed to represent our college, yet it looked like a generic, store-bought costume. Furthermore, the mascot's movements were clumsy and uncoordinated. It was hard to feel any school spirit when the mascot itself appeared unenthusiastic and unprofessional. Overall, a huge letdown.
3. Michael - 2/5 - The College Panther Mascot was a disappointment in terms of creativity and originality. There was nothing special or unique about it. It simply looked like an oversized stuffed animal that lacked personality. The performance by the mascot also fell flat - the choreography was repetitive and unimpressive. I expected the mascot to be a symbol of pride and unity, but it failed to deliver.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I have to say, the College Panther Mascot was a letdown. The costume design was lackluster and uninspiring. The colors were dull, and it didn't represent the vibrant spirit of our college. Additionally, the mascot's interaction with the crowd felt forced and awkward. It didn't create an engaging atmosphere or instill any sense of school pride. Overall, I was disappointed by the lack of creativity and enthusiasm shown by the College Panther Mascot.