6/5/2008 3:19 pm

Sioux Falls, SD - Welcome home to the newest addition to the University of Sioux Falls campus.

At the USF Spirit of Excellence Awards Banquet May 8, 2008, it was announced that the name Cooper won the final fan of the Cici’s Pizza Mascot Naming Contest by receiving 40 percent of the vote, beating out nominees Chimaga, Pounce, Clutch and Klaw.

Originally 65 names were suggested on www.USFCougars.com during a two-week period. The top five choices were selected and put to a fan poll on the university’s athletic Web site.

Cooper has been getting used to his surroundings in the city of Sioux Falls. So far this summer, he has attended a Canaries’ game to visit his buddy Cagey on his Super Sweet 16 birthday party.

Look for Cooper throughout USF home sporting events in 2008 and beyond!


History of USF mascots
Mascots have a long, upstanding tradition at the University of Sioux Falls. When the first football game was played in 1902, the school, then known as Sioux Falls College, adopted the Braves as the official mascot.

The name withstood more than seven decades despite the growth of the campus. In 1978, Sioux Falls College President Owen Halleen predated the cultural sensitivity awareness of the NCAA regarding Native American team names by nearly three decades when he encouraged the adoption of a new mascot. The Cougar was ultimately selected.

In 1995, the school transitioned to the University of Sioux Falls, but the Cougar name has not changed.

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