Name-a-Day Calendar, November 21: Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Page 15 of 365
Chosen in: 1928
Chosen by: Raymond “DeDe” Johnson
In 1928, John Brown Watson, president of what was then the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College, called the student body together for the express purpose of choosing a mascot. According to Frank Wiley, who played on the football team at the time, there were just two suggestions: an unnamed woman suggested the owl because it’s the wisest bird and Raymond “DeDe” Johnson suggested the lion because it’s the king of the jungle. It was put to a voice vote and Johnson’s suggestion won.1 The word “golden” must have entered the discussion there at some point; the school’s teams have always been known as the Golden Lions.
Personally, I’ve always been kind of baffled at the relative popularity of Owls as a moniker among the lower ranks of Division I,2 so I’m grateful we have something more unique. Not to mention, their logo is awesome. Admire several versions of it by thumbing through their brand identity guide here.
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This is the most important thing that has ever happened at a school assembly.
And also Temple. Don’t @ me, Claire.