Spring Break
Tusk: an Arkansas tradition
Like It Is
Cody Kees
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Opinion
The Arkansas Razorback is a sight for any fan's eyes. It's a sign of our state's premier institute of higher education, but more so, it's a reminder of the fierce zeal Arkansas athletes embody.
The Razorback can be seen in many forms, from the lovable Pork Chop mascot adorning the sidelines and walking through the stands at sporting events to the live Russian boar himself, Tusk II. Any Razorback mascot brings a smile to UA fans and reminds us of the pride we have in the UA. But while Pork Chop can sit on your lap, sign your memorabilia and remain calm (most of the time she doesn't bite!), Tusk II is the true embodiment of Arkansas pride, as he is our one and only live Razorback mascot.
Tusk II can often be seen parked outside the stadium before football games or traveling down Dickson Street before pep rallies. The Razorback you see is one of just a few legacy mascots in the Southeastern Conference - meaning we don't simply use any wild hog trapped in a traveling trailer, but a true descendent from the mascot that reigned before. While Florida might be content finding any gator from the swamplands, the UA chooses to keep the bloodlines going. This is a unique tradition and one that speaks volumes about our school's pride in our mascot.
I'm sure you have all heard the story of how we became the Razorbacks. After the 1909 Arkansas Cardinals beat the Louisiana State University Tigers, Coach Hugo Bezdek proclaimed the team performed "like a wild band of Razorback hogs." Lucky for us, the name stuck … Hog hats make much better souvenirs than a stuffed bird, and Arkansas still remains the only Razorbacks in college athletics.
As for our live mascot tradition, it began in the 1960s and has taken the form of several different Razorback families. Tusk II is, of course, a second-generation live mascot for Arkansas and, we hope, the second in a long line of Tusks to come.
Tusk I took the reins in 1997, and baby boy Tusk II took over in 2004. The Tusk tradition is one that should surely survive and become an invaluable part of Razorback athletics. Arkansas is one of only three schools in the SEC to have the legacy mascot program, along with Mike the Tiger at LSU and UGA at Georgia. It is important that the legacy program, still young at only 12 years old, continues as an integral tradition at the UA.
Unlike student mascots in the form of Pork Chop or Sue E., a live mascot like Tusk II takes some rather hefty maintenance. From transport expenses from his home near Russellville to veterinary upkeep, our live legacy mascot comes with a price tag, and that is why you often only see him at football games. Ideally, through the newly established Tusk Fund, Arkansas fans will soon see Tusk become a valued part of all athletic events. The Tusk Fund was implemented last year, and under the leadership of Toni Bahn, athletic department special events director, it may well be the campaign needed to keep our mascot tradition alive.
Our living mascot adds an overwhelming degree of "life," tradition and support to Arkansas athletics and school spirit. OK, donating to the Tusk Fund won't get your name on a building. However, any thoughtful fan who donates even a few bucks plays a large role in assuring Tusk is always where he belongs. Additionally, each donor simultaneously buys stake in the Tusk tradition.
The Associated Student Government is leading the way in the fundraiser with a $750 pledge made just last weekend at the Red-White Game. President Carter Ford proclaimed that Tusk II "represents the lifeblood of the student body."
"Lifeblood" may be a stretch, even for a president who is known for having adoration for UA mascots, but students young and old need to have a mascot tradition they can all be part of, and one that will be around for many generations to come.
The Tusk Fund is available to keep a tradition alive, and this fund is one all Arkansas fans can be a part of and take pride in every time they see Tusk ride down Dickson Street or Razorback Road with the spirit of Arkansas by his side.
Cody Kees is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday.
The Razorback can be seen in many forms, from the lovable Pork Chop mascot adorning the sidelines and walking through the stands at sporting events to the live Russian boar himself, Tusk II. Any Razorback mascot brings a smile to UA fans and reminds us of the pride we have in the UA. But while Pork Chop can sit on your lap, sign your memorabilia and remain calm (most of the time she doesn't bite!), Tusk II is the true embodiment of Arkansas pride, as he is our one and only live Razorback mascot.
Tusk II can often be seen parked outside the stadium before football games or traveling down Dickson Street before pep rallies. The Razorback you see is one of just a few legacy mascots in the Southeastern Conference - meaning we don't simply use any wild hog trapped in a traveling trailer, but a true descendent from the mascot that reigned before. While Florida might be content finding any gator from the swamplands, the UA chooses to keep the bloodlines going. This is a unique tradition and one that speaks volumes about our school's pride in our mascot.
I'm sure you have all heard the story of how we became the Razorbacks. After the 1909 Arkansas Cardinals beat the Louisiana State University Tigers, Coach Hugo Bezdek proclaimed the team performed "like a wild band of Razorback hogs." Lucky for us, the name stuck … Hog hats make much better souvenirs than a stuffed bird, and Arkansas still remains the only Razorbacks in college athletics.
As for our live mascot tradition, it began in the 1960s and has taken the form of several different Razorback families. Tusk II is, of course, a second-generation live mascot for Arkansas and, we hope, the second in a long line of Tusks to come.
Tusk I took the reins in 1997, and baby boy Tusk II took over in 2004. The Tusk tradition is one that should surely survive and become an invaluable part of Razorback athletics. Arkansas is one of only three schools in the SEC to have the legacy mascot program, along with Mike the Tiger at LSU and UGA at Georgia. It is important that the legacy program, still young at only 12 years old, continues as an integral tradition at the UA.
Unlike student mascots in the form of Pork Chop or Sue E., a live mascot like Tusk II takes some rather hefty maintenance. From transport expenses from his home near Russellville to veterinary upkeep, our live legacy mascot comes with a price tag, and that is why you often only see him at football games. Ideally, through the newly established Tusk Fund, Arkansas fans will soon see Tusk become a valued part of all athletic events. The Tusk Fund was implemented last year, and under the leadership of Toni Bahn, athletic department special events director, it may well be the campaign needed to keep our mascot tradition alive.
Our living mascot adds an overwhelming degree of "life," tradition and support to Arkansas athletics and school spirit. OK, donating to the Tusk Fund won't get your name on a building. However, any thoughtful fan who donates even a few bucks plays a large role in assuring Tusk is always where he belongs. Additionally, each donor simultaneously buys stake in the Tusk tradition.
The Associated Student Government is leading the way in the fundraiser with a $750 pledge made just last weekend at the Red-White Game. President Carter Ford proclaimed that Tusk II "represents the lifeblood of the student body."
"Lifeblood" may be a stretch, even for a president who is known for having adoration for UA mascots, but students young and old need to have a mascot tradition they can all be part of, and one that will be around for many generations to come.
The Tusk Fund is available to keep a tradition alive, and this fund is one all Arkansas fans can be a part of and take pride in every time they see Tusk ride down Dickson Street or Razorback Road with the spirit of Arkansas by his side.
Cody Kees is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday.
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