William & Mary mascot ideas include an asparagus

[March 19, 2010]  WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) -- The College of William & Mary in Virginia is looking for a mascot and ideas have ranged from a feathered horse to an asparagus stalk.

The school said Monday more than 400 nominations have been submitted. William & Mary for decades was known as the Indians, but the school changed its nickname to Tribe in the 1980s.

The NCAA ruled in 2006 that the college could keep the Tribe nickname but its feathered logo was demeaning to Native Americans and had to go.

The school's athletic teams will still be called the Tribe, but the college wants a mascot that may -- or may not -- match the nickname.

The asparagus stalk supporter notes that if served with cheese, the vegetable represents the school colors.

The school's president will make the final decision.

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On the Net:

http://www.wm.edu/about/mascot/

[Associated Press]

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