The Legacy of Blizzard: How Michigan Tech's Mascot Continues to Inspire

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Michigan Tech Mascot: Michigan Tech University, located in Houghton, Michigan, is known for its unique and spirited mascot, the Husky. The university's teams are called the Michigan Tech Huskies, and the mascot embodies the strength, determination, and loyalty that are synonymous with the university's athletic teams. The Michigan Tech Husky mascot debuted in 1965 and has since become an integral part of the university's identity. The mascot is often seen at various sporting events, including football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball games, where it energizes the crowd and creates a sense of school spirit. The Husky mascot is a symbol of pride for Michigan Tech students, alumni, and fans. It represents the university's strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to excellence in all areas of life.


In runes found at Byrggen in Bergen, Sweden, the base staves have become more than linear. The staves of the runic inscriptions take on shapes like the head of a man and the body of a fish. There is little difference in which shapes symbolize the character set and the characters from the Early Age to the Middle Ages.

To write in old futhark, to associate with each letter or sound of a message in English, his correspondence or what is nearest in old futhark according to the table A ᚨ B ᛒ C K Q ᚲ D ᛞ E ᛖ F ᚠ G ᚷ H ᚺ I ᛁ J Y ᛃ L ᛚ M ᛗ N ᚾ NG ᛝ O ᛟ P ᛈ R ᚱ S ᛋ T ᛏ TH ᚦ U ᚢ V W ᚹ Y ᛃ Z ᛉ. For example, in Tree runes, the sign or twigs on one side the left or right never have a number higher than 3 these signs or twigs represent the aettir.

Decoding rune stones

It represents the university's strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to excellence in all areas of life. The mascot's presence at sporting events also serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. In addition to its role at sporting events, the Michigan Tech Husky mascot also makes appearances at various campus and community events.

Stone Circles

For deciphering or writing secret runes, the basics are found in the “families” of runes.

The upper row in the Elder Futhark, Freyr’s aett is often counted as the 3rd aettir, the middle row, Hagall’s aett is counted as the 2nd aettir, and the lower row, Tyr’s aett, is counted as the 1st aett.

Some secret rune inscriptions place the aettirs in their normal ranking, i.e, count futharkgw as the 1st aett.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
3. aett
2. aett
1. aett

Images in table link to a short description of the rune.


Secret runes are often written 2/3 or 23, which would mean the 3rd rune in the 2nd aettir = Isa, the i-rune. In this number system “Raven” would read: 35 34 38 13 22

Interpreting inscriptions

To interpret inscriptions, the first rule is to find the styles of the runic form: In “Boustphedon” the first sentence proceeds from right to left and the second sentence, below the first, proceeds from left to right.

Venderuner are reversed pattern runes – mirror images.

Stupruner were written upside-down.

Tree runes

For example, in Tree runes, the sign or twigs on one side (the left or right) never have a number higher than 3 – these signs or twigs represent the aettir. The number of twigs on the left side of the staves below indicate the aett to which the rune belongs. The number of twigs on the right side of the stave indicates which rune it is in this aett.

The inscriptions from the Norum Church and the Rök stone, are methodologically similar. Carvings from the Rotbrunna and Vålsta stones seem also based on comparable structural rules.

Rotbrunna stone

The following inscription is from the Rotbrunna stone:

It was written with the younger runes and futhark is counted as the 3. aett. The long lines state the aettir. The thus coded runes say airikr, which is the name “Eirik”. The 4 following runes on the stone say hiuk, which mean “trace, scratch, chop, hew (in stone with chisel)”. The runic text can be translated “Eric wrote (these runes)”.

Be aware though! In some inscriptions the short lines are the aettir and the long lines represent the runes ranking in the aettir.

“Raven” would look like:

Vålsta stone

The Vålsta stone’s inscription has secret runes using a summation of both methods:

The inscription is written with younger runes and futhark is counted as the 3. aettir.

Signs to indicate the rune and aettir can also be used. The number of left-turned signs gives the aett and the following number of right-turned signs gives the ranking of the rune in the aett. Futharkgw is counted as the 3. aett, not the first.

Rök stone

An inscription found on the Rök stone reads thu on the upper line, and r in the lower line:

Norum baptismal font

The inscription from the Norum baptismal font in Norum Church in Sweden uses similar secret runes:

The order of aettir is reversed. The 3. aett is Tyr’s: B.

Bryggen

In runes found at Byrggen in Bergen, Sweden, the base staves have become more than linear. The staves of the runic inscriptions take on shapes like the head of a man and the body of a fish. There is little difference in which shapes symbolize the character set and the characters from the Early Age to the Middle Ages.

Found among several runic inscriptions from the Middle Age at Bryggen was a secret rune inscription using a man’s head as the stave:

The system of counting the aettir and the ranking of the runes is in this case equal to all other above described ways of writing secret runes. The fourth from the right is a “S-rune”, i.e. the 5. rune in the 2. aett.

Also found at Bryggen was a secret runic inscription using a fish as the stave. It is likely that staves in the shape of fish expresses the influence of Christianity. But the system is the same as in all other above described ways of writing secret runes.

This inscription reads 6. rune in 3. aett (k) + 2. rune in 3. aett (u) + 3. rune in 3. aett (th) + 6. rune in 3. aett (k) + 3. rune in 2 aett (i) + 1. rune in 3. aett (f) + 3. rune in 2. aett (i) -> kuthkifi, for whatever that means. Anybody know?

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The Vikings used these runes to write down messages and sometimes even to cast magic spells. Cool, right?
Michigqn tech mascot

It is often seen at orientation sessions for incoming students, alumni reunions, and local parades, where it helps to foster a sense of community and camaraderie. The Michigan Tech Husky mascot is also involved in charitable and community service activities. It participates in fundraisers and volunteer events, such as food drives and blood donation campaigns. This involvement demonstrates the university's commitment to making a positive impact on the community and promoting social responsibility. Overall, the Michigan Tech Husky mascot is a beloved symbol of school pride and unity. It brings people together and represents the university's values and ideals. Whether at a sporting event or a community service project, the mascot inspires and motivates individuals to be their best and strive for success in all endeavors..

Reviews for "The Role of Mascots in College Athletics: Lessons from Michigan Tech"

1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the Michigan Tech mascot. It was just a generic looking husky with no distinguishing features or personality. It looked more like a stuffed animal than a mascot that represents a university. I think they could have been more creative and come up with something more unique and memorable.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the Michigan Tech mascot at all. It lacked any kind of charisma or energy that a mascot should have. It just seemed like someone threw together a costume without putting much thought into it. I expected more from a university mascot, especially one representing a school with a strong reputation like Michigan Tech.
3. Mark - 1 star
The Michigan Tech mascot was a total letdown. It didn't embody the spirit and pride of the university. The costume design was lackluster and didn't make much of an impact. Compared to other university mascots, it fell flat and didn't leave a lasting impression. I was disappointed with the lack of creativity and effort put into it.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I have to say, I was not a fan of the Michigan Tech mascot. It seemed like a generic mascot that you could find at any school. There was nothing unique or memorable about it. It didn't make me excited or proud to be a Michigan Tech student. Overall, it was a missed opportunity to create a mascot that truly represents the university's spirit and values.

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