POSTSCRIPT: MASCOT MATCH-UP, SOUTH DAKOTA STYLE

TIM L. WALTNER – Publisher Emeritus

I really like the Phoenix as the mascot selected by students for the Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy coop football team. I liked it immediately when I first heard it was in the running.

It’s unique.

I like the alliteration (despite the spelling – F-Ph).

And I appreciate the symbolism (excellence/rebirth/transformation) and the thought that went into bringing Phoenix to the table.

I enjoy words and wordplay. For years I’ve thought about what mascots would be good fits for South Dakota cities and towns. The selection of the Phoenix as our local mascot prompted me to put my ideas on paper.

And so, below is a quiz (and the answers) that invites Courier readers to match the real towns and fictitious mascots. In some cases, it’s simple word play (the Wakonda Sidewalks … say it out loud). In some cases it includes historical figures (Clark Gables). In some cases it includes fictional characters (Harrold Hills). In some cases, it’s just plain fun (Avon Ladies). Some are inverted names (Bancroft Annes).

Enjoy.

I’ll be cheering you on.

Tim L. Waltner is a retired publisher of the Freeman Courier who continues to share his voice through his regular column. He hopes families will work together on his mascot quiz, including his son and daughter-in-law and their two children.

SPOILER ALERT: ANSWERS BELOW