The Wildcat
Moniker
8/7/2003
What’s in a nickname? Webster’s defines a “Wildcat” as a descendant of
the domestic feline family, but one with a quick temper and a savage
personality. Other prestigious institutions like the University of
Kentucky, the University of Arizona, Kansas State University, and even
Northern Michigan University also
share the Wildcat mascot as well. And like Novi HS, they’ve all
represented their mascot well.
As football fast approaches, one can’t help but reflect on how well last
season’s battle-tested Wildcats fared against their counterparts. Many
opponents found out just how tough the Wildcats could be.
Other than a couple of last-minute, hard-fought decisions to teams named
“Bulldogs,” and one to the Lions, the Cat’s had their way eight times
out of twelve, eliminated only by the eventual state champ Shamrocks.
The good news is that the Wildcats get to face both sets of Bulldogs and
the Lions again this season…
And, along the journey in 2002 they polished off the Highlanders, the
Eagles from Hartland, and the Pirates on their home turf. And, on the
road they smoked the Mustangs, the Mavericks twice, the Eagles from
Lakeland and of course they slayed the Dragons in a memorable District
Championship game.
This season the Football Wildcatters feature 5 home games, opening up
Friday night Aug. 29th, looking to avenge last season’s decision against
the Bulldogs of Chelsea again. The Wildcats never trailed in that
contest for 47 of the 48 minutes, and they’ll ready to growl when they
kick it off that evening at 7:00pm.
Around the country, the uniqueness, the variety, and the zaniness of
High School and College mascot names have always been recognized and
enjoyed by fans and alumni. Some of them are really wacky.
How about the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs? Or the UC Irvine Anteaters?
Maybe the Tulane Green Wave, the Syracuse Orangemen, or the Alabama
Crimson Tide… Truth be told, I don’t know if I’d recognize a Crimson
Tide or a Banana Slug.
But, I’d recognize a Wildcat, especially on the football field. They
come in green and white, and when the whistle blows they like to smack
you in the mouth until the play is blown dead. Then they help you up and
say, “I’ll be right back,” for 4 full quarters.
See you on Aug 29th. I bet you’ll recognize the Wildcats right away.
(c) 2003 Novi
Information Network
www.novi.org
___________________________________
Bernie Fratto is a freelance writer, radio personality, and
motivational speaker. His passion for sports comes in part from
his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand. "Behind
every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings"
said Fratto. "These athletic endeavors often serve as a
metaphor for the game we call life."
Bernie is also the voice of Novi Wildcat Hockey
and host of Wildcat Face-off, a local
radio program dedicated to youth sports in Novi.
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