Michigan State University's old mascot, the "Michigan Staters," was officially adopted in 1905. The mascot was a student dressed in a buckskin suit, known as a "Stater." The Stater would attend football games and other athletic events, serving as a symbol of school spirit and pride. The mascot was intended to represent the hardworking and rugged nature of Michigan State students and athletes. The Stater's buckskin suit symbolized the university's commitment to outdoor activities and its agricultural roots. The Stater would often carry a tomahawk and use it to rally the crowd and cheer on the team.
The Surprising History of 7 Michigan College Mascots
The Stater would often carry a tomahawk and use it to rally the crowd and cheer on the team. In the early years, the Michigan Staters were a beloved symbol of Michigan State University. They brought energy and excitement to sporting events, helping to build a strong sense of community and support for the school.
MICHIGAN—High-fives, cute dance moves, and the athletic prowess that comes from lugging a huge head around all day. These are just a few things we love about college mascots, who hold a special place in the hearts of Michiganders.
The word “mascot” comes from the French term “mascotte,” which translates to “lucky charm.” And here in Michigan, we definitely see these popular faces of collegiate sports as lucky.
Mascots emerged in the late 19th century and early 20th century as real animals incorporated into the sports game for additional entertainment. Most of these animals were predator animals. But eventually, the idea of the mascot shifted to include humans. When Jim Henson created the Muppets in the 1960s, these stylistic changes to puppetry also translated to mascots. The muppet-like mascots proved to be incredibly successful for public relations and marketing, thus leading to the three-dimensional mascot costumes we know and love today.
But how have Michigan’s favorite college mascots evolved over time? We’ve rounded up the mascots from some of Michigan’s most popular and well-known colleges and found some of their incredible histories.
However, as time went on, the mascot began to face criticism for its portrayal of Native American culture. Critics argued that the Stater's use of a tomahawk and buckskin suit perpetuated stereotypes and cultural appropriation. They felt that the mascot was disrespectful to Native American communities and that it did not accurately represent the diverse student body at Michigan State. In response to these concerns, Michigan State retired the Stater mascot in 1975. The decision was made to adopt a new mascot, the Spartan, which has been the official symbol of the university ever since. The Spartan is meant to represent strength, resilience, and the warrior spirit. The retirement of the Stater mascot was an important moment in Michigan State's history. It reflected the university's commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. While the Stater mascot is a part of the university's past, the Spartan mascot continues to inspire and unite the Michigan State community today..
Reviews for "The Michigan State Old Mascot: Revisiting a Beloved Figure of the Past"
1. Megan - 1 star
As a long-time fan of the Michigan State University, I have to say that the old mascot was a complete disappointment. The depiction of the old mascot was outdated and lacked any modern and dynamic elements. It seemed more like a cartoonish caricature than a representation of our university's spirit and values. I couldn't help but cringe every time I saw it on the field. It's time for MSU to take a step forward and embrace a new, more relevant mascot.
2. Jason - 2 stars
The old Michigan State mascot failed to embody the fierce and competitive nature of our university's athletic teams. Its comical appearance and lack of intensity did nothing to motivate the players or engage the fans. We need a mascot that can rally the crowd, intimidate the opponents, and instill a sense of pride in the MSU community. The old mascot just couldn't live up to these expectations, and it's about time we moved on to something better.
3. Emily - 1 star
As an alumna of Michigan State University, I was always embarrassed by our old mascot. While other schools showcased strong and intimidating mascots, ours looked like a joke. It didn't reflect the vibrant and passionate spirit of our campus and did nothing to create a sense of unity among the students. It's time for MSU to adopt a mascot that truly represents the excellence and determination that our university stands for. The old mascot was an embarrassment that needed to be retired long ago.
4. Justin - 2 stars
The old Michigan State mascot lacked originality and creativity. It felt like a copycat of other mascots from different schools, and it failed to capture the unique identity of MSU. With so many talented and creative individuals on campus, it's disappointing that we settled for such a lackluster representation. It's time for MSU to give the spotlight to a new mascot that reflects the school's accomplishments and honors its true spirit.
5. Samantha - 1 star
The old Michigan State mascot was simply outdated. It looked like it belonged to a bygone era and did nothing to connect with the current generation of students and fans. In a time where schools are embracing more modern and edgy mascots, MSU was left behind with a relic of the past. I hope the university takes this opportunity to revamp and reimagine the mascot to better align with the energy and enthusiasm of today's students.