Contest to name SDSU?s rabbit

Tony Gorder

Tony GorderEditor-in-Chief

The Jackrabbit. Jack. Jack Rabbit.

These names are commonly associated with SDSU’s bouncy, long-eared mascot. Nearly 105 years past its genesis, the jackrabbit has gone nameless.

The SDSU Alumni Association is about to change that.

The association is holding a naming contest for SDSU’s beloved mascot starting Oct. 4, with the submitter of the winning name receiving the prize of a $250 SDSU Bookstore gift card.

“There have been some assumptions about the rabbit’s name and now is the time to give him one officially,” said Matt Fuks, president and CEO of the SDSU Alumni Association. “It’s a unique and historic opportunity.”

Submissions can be made by emailing the name to [email protected] with the subject “name contest.” Entries must contain the submitter’s name and phone number.

A task force made up of a cross-section of SDSU stakeholders 8212; students, community members, faculty, athletic representatives, University Relations representatives and alumni 8212; will choose the top submissions by Oct. 18. Online voting on these top picks start Oct. 20 at a URL to be determined.

The winner will be announced at the mascots 105th birthday celebration on Nov. 12.

Fuks said having a name presents an opportunity for the university.

“There’s just really some great opportunities to promote the mascot and make him a part of the university and state as a whole,” Fuks said. “We just really think it will give him an identity and help bond him to the students, alumni and the state.”

For top consideration, name submission should:

Fit with the format of [insert name] the Jackrabbit

Have historical or regional ties.

Be gender neutral

Have marketability

#1.1655696:3937898097.jpg:SDSU?s mascot is seeking submissions of suggestions for a new name.:SDSU?s mascot is seeking submissions of suggestions for a new name. A prize will be awarded to the person who submits the winning name.:File Photo