Columbia Basketball
Last night after a GS Bowling event at Harlem Lanes, I joined a bunch of friends at the Columbia Basketball game versus Dartmouth. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, Columbia won. This is a big deal, since I have been led to believe that such a thing is a rare feat indeed.
In addition to the victory, the game was amazing fun, largely because we were seated behind the band (led by Jager!) and every time they erupted in song, we would go crazy, singing the lyrics and then responding with cheers. Similarly, we seemed at times to be the most excited fans in the “arena,” because of our screaming and cheering for the Lions.
Which brings me to my main point: the Columbia Lions’ mascot is, as one would expect, a lion. Fine. That’s truly awesome. What is not awesome is his name: Roar-ee. Frankly, this is unacceptable. I’ve been given such excuses as “Oh, Rory is a name,” and “He’s a lion. He says ‘roar!’” but all I can hear is, “LAME.” His name is hyphenated and the second part is just two ‘E’s.
Frankly, as Ivy League students, we can do better. Hell, as anybody with half a brain we can do better. “Roar-ee” is hands-down the stupidest name for a mascot ever, narrowly defeating the Philly Phanatic. It’s time for change. I’d like Columbia to do better, and I’m launching such a campaign now. I welcome your support.
Fun facts: Roar-ee used to be unnmaed, but in 2005 they did a student vote thing, and “Roar-ee” beat other choices like “Alexander Hamilton,” a much better mascot name in my opinion, especially for a lion. Also, when choosing a lion as the mascot about 100 years ago, some people wanted “Matilda the Harlem Goat,” a goat that belonged to some guy who lived above where Appletree is now.
That’s simply awesome. I wish we had the goat, just because of how sick of a story that is.
im fine with roar-ee as long as “the bad ass motherfucking lion” is followed after that. It takes a bit of the bitch out of the name. Then again you could be named petunia and the suffix “bad ass motherfucking lion” would make you sound tight.
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. Excellent suggestion.
I’m with Rebecca on this one. I actually like Roar-ee. It sounds like something a three year old would name a stuffed lion. What could be cuter?
Her questions, which you skirted, is the same as mine. We get that you want to change the name, but, the question is, to what? It’s not constructive to propose a change without giving at least one proposal of what to change it to.
Sammy the Slug (Banana Slug) I think can give Roar-ee a run for your money.
http://www.ucsc.edu/about/campus_mascot.asp
Always my personal favorite despite the ridiculous name!
Hey, I gave you both “excuses” in your blog post…they’re legit! And exactly what change, dare someone ask, do YOU propose?
A new name, obviously, is in order.