After weeks of deliberation, it was decided that Rory the Frog would replace The Blue Jay as Elizabethtown College’s official mascot. In the 1930’s, Etown’s basketball players were called the “Galloping Grey Ghosts,” but in the school year of 1945-1946 the College held a competition to name all the athletic teams. Ths student body voted to adopt The Blue Jay as its new mascot, since, “With its blue body and grey and white breast, the blue jay wears the colors of the school, and with its well-known fighting spirit characterizes the efforts shown by our teams in competition.” In 1947, the men’s basketball team was called the Blue Jays and the women’s basketball team the Blue Birds.
The well-known Blue Jay mascot was designed in 1950 by C. Frederick Horbach, a history major from the class of 1953, who was also the president of the Student Senate. The Blue Jay mascot has assumed many identities over the years, but has represented the College for decades. However, after several requests from inside and out of the college, Rory will officially replace The Blue Jay.
“I never liked The Blue Jay mascot,” one anonymous student said. “What kind of mascot doesn’t have a name? Rory’s a much better choice.”
Not only does Rory have a name, he also has the experience. Rory has been Campus Life’s mascot for a few years, and has always taken his job seriously. He helps to fill the white space on the newspaper and leaves his thoughts on the page for readers to see. He loves making friends with anyone he can. One day, Rory just happened to wander into the second floor of Steinman, and found himself in the Etownian’s office. He was an instant hit, and became Campus Life’s mascot.
Rory has recently gotten promoted in the Campus Life section. The Editors gave him a space of his own to entertain readers called Rory’s Comedy Corner. In his Corner, Rory will tell jokes relevant to either one of the articles or an upcoming holiday. He also enjoys putting on different hats or silly little costumes to match with his joke. In the last issue, Rory dressed like a leprechaun to tell his Saint Patrick’s Day joke.
So now it’s time to get rid of your blue, white and gray apparel and don all the green you have! The College has also decided to change its colors at Rory’s request. Green is Rory’s favorite color, so everything blue on campus will be painted green. Students are encouraged to participate by picking up a paintbrush and pitching in!
