So Tennessee State held a student election recently to choose a name for its Tiger mascot, which has gone nameless for decades. And the winner by an overwhelming majority was, Rebel Black Bear! No, just kidding … the winner was Tsunami (because the school’s initials are TSU).
To which all we can say is … awkward.
The vote, of course, occurred before the recent devastation in Japan. And owing to that, the TSU administration has announced that their tiger will not be named Tsunami. Or even Sue Nommy.
“After over 10,000 people have been killed in Japan, and the numbers are still growing, and all the devastation going on there, I felt it was inappropriate to keep the name,” said TSU President Portia Holmes-Shields.
Holmes-Shields held a contest giving students and alumni a chance to name the tiger in honor of the school’s upcoming 100th anniversary. Out of 14,000 votes, the overwhelming favorite was Tsunami.
She’s now started a new contest. People can vote on another name by going to TSU’s website or Facebook page.
And you know what that means. You’re back in the game, Admiral Ackbar!
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TSU’s Mascot Won’t Be Named Tsunami [WSMV]
