The Enduring Legacy: A History of the Mississippi College Mascot
Mississippi College (MC), located in Clinton, Mississippi, has a rich athletic history. As a member of the NCAA Division II and competing in the Gulf South Conference, the Mississippi College Choctaws represent the university with a proud tradition. For many years, Mississippi College was a dominant force in NCAA Division II athletics. Mississippi College participated in the national women's basketball championship tournament in 1974, 1976, and 1977. Since their transition to Division III in 1997, the Choctaws have won 25 American Southwest Conference championships. On July 11, 2014, the NCAA approved Mississippi College entering their second year of NCAA Division II candidacy. This article delves into the story of its mascot, exploring its origins, evolution, and significance.
From "Collegiates" to "Choctaws": The Birth of a Mascot
In the early days, the athletic teams of Mississippi College were simply known as the "Collegians." However, after an exceptional football season in 1921, MC leaders knew that the school's “Collegiates” nickname was insufficient. The 1921 football teams went 7-2-1 with wins over Tulane University and the University of Mississippi and also a tie with the University of Florida. The search for a more fitting moniker led to a contest where students could submit possible nicknames which would be voted on.
Looking for inspiration, then-MC student Montie A. Davis of Pascagoula, MS came up with the mascot name "Choctaws" while attending college at Mississippi College. Rev. Montie Davis of Pascagoula, MS came up with the mascot name "Choctaws" while attending college at Mississippi College. Davis found inspiration in the local history. The original Natchez Trace, a trail used by the Choctaw people for centuries, passed through the heart of MC’s campus in Clinton.
Davis's suggestion was not the only one, however. His suggestion, plus three other - Yellowjackets, Dutchies, and Warriors - were among the final four to be voted on. Davis was quick to point out to his fellow students why three of the names would not be acceptable. "Yellowjackets," he said, "were good only in dry weather" and just the week before the football team had played on a muddy and wet field. Dutchies was in honor of the president of MC, Dr. J.W. Provine, and wouldn't mean anything to people outside the school. Warriors? What Warriors? Rev. Davis let the students know that the Choctaws were known for their bravery, fair play, had speed to burn, could run like deer, and could swim like a fish if needed. Rev. Davis was quick to point out to his fellow students why three of the names would not be acceptable. Davis emphasized the Choctaw people's bravery, fair play, speed, and connection to the land. These qualities resonated with the students, and "Choctaws" was ultimately chosen as the new mascot.
Maintaining the "Choctaws" Identity
Having proudly carried the “Choctaw” moniker for almost 85 years, MC reached out to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians for its support in continuing the use of the nickname. Mississippi College athletic teams have been known as the "Choctaws for many years, but not many people know from whence it came. The late Rev. Montie A. Davis of Pascagoula, Miss.
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In a letter dated February 17, 2006, Mississippi College received word that the NCAA has removed its policy restrictions in the use of the name Choctaw for MC athletics. Lee Royce, president of the college said, "We are pleased with the ruling from the NCAA giving their approval of our request to remove Mississippi College from the list of institutions subject to the policy’s restrictions. Before the NCAA's resolution, MC voluntarily abandoned using the mascot “Chief Choc,” which would have been subject to the decision. MC has since worked with the MBCI to eliminate all other imagery or language that the Choctaw people might consider offensive.
Embracing a New Era: Tom A. Hawk and Tushka the Eagle
While the "Choctaws" nickname remained, Mississippi College introduced new on-field personalities to enhance school spirit. In November 2015, Tom A. Hawk made its debut. Tom A. Hawk, made its debut at Saturday's football battle with Delta State. Dressed in a cool Blue & Gold costume and proudly wearing No. 99, this Hawk roamed the stands amid the Heritage Bowl battle. Choctaws was emblazoned on its chest for the hawk’s November 14, 2015 debut at Robinson-Hale Stadium. Dubbed informally by students as Tom A. Hawk, it was pushed by members of the Mississippi College Student Government Association for the past year.
SGA President Mary McRae of Tishomingo County was delighted to see the Hawk’s initial appearance. “Our hope is that having an on-field personality will promote even more school spirit and increase support for our athletic teams,” McRae said Monday. A business major, Mary believes the Hawk will be a nice asset for MC athletic teams for years to come. Last year, then SGA-president Chip Wilson of Memphis led student leaders to tackle the topic. The students worked with MC staffers like Jonathan Ambrose and Sharia Brock, who took the lead for the college. Together, they decided on the character they call Tom A. The student wearing the outfit for the first time in November was chosen by the SGA executive council, McRae said. The MC athletic department will work with MC cheerleaders to hold auditions and select several students to wear the costume. “We are very pleased that our students care about school spirit and that they are so enthusiastic about supporting our college,” says Turcotte, a Clinton resident, MC alumnus and former Choctaws football player.
More recently, MC unveiled its new on-field personality: Tushka, a majestic Eagle adorned in blue and gold feathers and important symbols of Choctaw culture. This fall, MC unveiled its new on-field personality: Tushka, a majestic Eagle adorned in blue and gold feathers and important symbols of Choctaw culture. The athletic logo is more striking: a stylized profile of an eagle - an important animal in the culture of the Choctaw people - adorned with feathers modeled after those prominently displayed in the crowns of Choctaw Indian Princesses.
A University-Tribal Partnership
The Christian University’s ties to the MBCI were solidified last year when MC President Blake Thompson and MBCI Chief Cyrus Ben signed a memorandum of understanding to create a valuable tuition assistance program for Choctaw students. The relationship between Mississippi College and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is one of mutual respect and collaboration.
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“November is Native American Heritage Month, so this is the perfect time to show the culture of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians,” said Ben. “Many people do not know anything about Native Americans, much less Choctaws. Some see Native American culture as a form of entertainment. “You cannot use the name Choctaws and not have any representation of the culture that shows why the name is being used,” said Johnson, who participates in the Choctaw Chorus at MC. Ben said the MC-MBCI relationship - and events like Choctaw Expressions - do more than simply acknowledge the Choctaw people are still in Mississippi. “MC embraces the Choctaw culture with respect,” she said. “I grew up going to a tribal school, but I am glad to see a little bit of home on the MC campus.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. Weather permitting, the bucolic Quad at MC will be transformed into an authentic Choctaw festival with all of the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional tribal celebrations. “Choctaw Expressions is welcome exposure for my people. It shows those outside of the Tribe that we are still here, we are still strong, and we will continue to survive. with a demonstration by Choctaw dancers, followed by a storytelling session hosted by the Choctaw Tribal Language Program. Sequita Phillips and Abbigail Jefferson will show the ins and outs of stickball, Nalani LuzMaria Thompson, the 2023-24 Choctaw Indian Princess, will greet attendees, the Boys and Girls Club Social Dancers will perform, Eleanor Chickaway will give a demonstration of Choctaw basket weaving, and Shaya Hicks will offer an exhibition of Choctaw beading. “I particularly enjoyed the interactive aspect of the event,” said Johnson, who started the Multicultural Student Association at MC. “Choctaw Expressions wasn’t just an event for MBCI members to show us their culture - they intentionally involved participants. “I learned that stickball is not as easy as it looks, and I had the opportunity to talk to the Choctaw Indian Princess and learn more about the pageant. “I loved seeing the expressions of fascination on everyone’s faces,” Ben said. “I liked that other tribal members were able to dance our traditional dances.
“It’s important that MC recognizes those who make up this University and to celebrate them,” she said. “God made us all different, but we make up one body. When we take the time to recognize each part, we become more knowledgeable about how to love one another.
A Modernized Brand
The traditional MC letters have received a nuanced adjustment, with clean, symmetrical lines, sharp, thin edges, and a more modern look. “The rebrand was necessary to help make certain elements of MC’s look more cohesive,” Stafford said. “A single brand message strengthens not just how the University looks, but communicates who the University is. “The rebrand is reflective of changes that are happening at the operations level of the University. We’re growing and striving to reach the next generation. The new brand mark is not exclusive to the main campus in Clinton.
“They’re coming back to a place where, for many of them, core memories were made,” Stafford said. “It’s where they learned who they are; it’s where they made so many of their friends; it’s where many of them met their spouses. “It’s important for our alums to see this rebrand because it’s the next evolution of something their lives are tied to. “We expect this branding initiative to be a long runway,” Stafford said. “The new brand mark looks remarkably similar to the one that has existed for a number of years,” Stafford said. “The refreshed design is intended to be nuanced. “We needed a logo that our athletic teams could get behind, could be proud of, and could easily understand its meaning and history. “We had a concept in mind, and presented the logo to the MBCI. “That color has been used sparingly in the past since it’s a shade of MC’s traditional blue, but it has never been an official part of our brand until now,” Stafford said. MC’s faculty and staff were treated to an “internal reveal” of the new brand mark during Convocation last spring. “Multiple faculty members have shared their comments about the logo,” he said. “The vast majority were positive about elements of the logo and the new direction of the brand. Throughout the excitement of the new branding initiative, one “big” question remains: what will become of the large MC letters that have become a popular “selfie” spot on Pedestrian Street? “The current plan is to auction the current letters off to the highest bidder,” Stafford said.
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