AP image PistolPete/Big Blue

Stories Behind the Fur couldn’t believe it.  After numerous interviews and podcasts and asking about fights between mascots, we have learned that there are restrictions (due to damages and costs of previous shenanigans) to contact with the opponent’s mascot, as well as if it IS allowed, you plan out the “fight” and the home team ALWAYS wins!

This is not what happened last week when New Mexico State’s “Big Blue” was supposedly paid $100 by a fan “to go rip off” Utah State’s Pistol Pete’s mustache.  The cowboy, not taking any “bull” from another mascot chased Big Blue and tried to take him down half court.  All of this happening in the last minutes of a one point lead game!  

SBtF waited, hoping for a pic and you’ve got to see it to believe it!

Word on the web states that last week, Dixie State College announced a new mascot, a black bull named Ragin’ Red, along with a new nickname, the Red Storm.  Students, faculty and alumni were involved in the adoption process, mostly through online voting.  The new symbol is strong, and the logo, a tornado with horns and ring, was designed by senior Stephanie Adams.  The school looks at the change as a positive move and the new mascot is unique for Utah, edging its way up from rejected front runners, red hawks and red devils.  HELLO RED STORM!

Outside was a peaceful protest/picket of concerned students with light “rebel” chants.

An email exchange days before pointed out how although many do not wish to “monkey with tradition”, the real battle in the last few years has been to gain 4 year college status and that it might be time for a mascot image update.

In the end, with an absent trustee, the vote ended in a tie and the tie breaker trustee, voted “no”, with a motion to lose Rodney but keep “Rebels”.  This motion ended in a tie and the tie breaker voted “yes” soooo this means that Rodney the Rebel is out but “Dixie Rebels” stays!

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