South Carolina Gamecocks Release New Name of Live Mascot
Attention Gamecocks, the University of South Carolina live mascot has got a new name. The live rooster mascot will now go by “The General” according to an article on The State. The rooster used to go by Sir Big Spur, but the team is revamping the mascot this year giving him a new name.
The State reports that the new name is to pay homage to Thomas Sumter, a general in the Revolutionary War from South Carolina. Sumter’s nickname was “Fighting Gamecock” which of course, lead to where the school got its nickname. This season if you run into the live rooster, you’ll be sure to address him correctly by his newest name. The General’s owners, Beth and Van Clark have been taking care of the rooster since 2020. The Clark’s worked with the school’s athletic department to develop the name change, according to a news release.
The live mascot made its debut in 1999 at a home baseball game for the University of South Carolina. Mary Snelling and Ron Albertelli were the first owners of the first live mascots, Sir Big Spur roosters. The roosters remained under their care until 2020 when the Clarks took over. The name change came about due to a disagreement regarding the trimming of the bird’s comb, says Charleston’s Post & Courier. The rooster’s comb will no longer be cut and this decision led to a name change. They say he will have not only a new name, but a new “perch” as well this season.
Source: The State
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