The Jaguar Mascot: In 1965 the South Alabama Board of Trustees selected the Jaguar as the University's official mascot.
During the late 1960's, USA housed a live Jaguar on the campus. In 1968, Baton Rouge, La., civil engineer Toxie Craft donated a year old South American Jaguar to the University to serve as the official mascot. Craft's first cousin, Huntley Fairchild of Sunshine, La., had learned from Jaguar Club member R.H. Radcliff Jr., that South Alabama was trying to acquire a live Jaguar to serve as the school's mascot. Arrangements were made with USA Athletic Director Dr. Mel Lucas to bring the animal to Mobile. The acquisition of the jaguar triggered a reaction of jubilation through the growing USA campus.
A contest was held in January of 1969 to name USA's new mascot. The name "Mischka" was selected in a contest from a list of student, faculty and staff submissions and announced during halftime festivities of USA's 87-67 win over cross-town foe Spring Hill College. USA student Bob Kirsch submitted the winning name, which was derived from the Russian version of the name "Michael" but was commonly used in Russia as a reference to a dancing bear in a circus.
However, the University later decided against housing a live animal on campus after Mischka, who was recovering after being treated for a bad tooth, decided to take a tour of the campus after someone made the mistake of leaving her pen door unlocked. Concern over the animal's well-being was also a factor in the University's decision to discontinue housing a live animal on campus.
In the 1971 Retrospect (Yearbook) a person is seen wearing a jaguar costume with a paper mache head covered with spotted fur. By 1972, the costume had changed to a look that showed the persons face and included a fur hat and body. Donnie Butler is credited with being the first person to serve as a costumed mascot for USA.
In the late 1970's a mascot-naming contest was held and the name "South Paw" was chosen. In 1986, under the direction of Happy Fulford and Susie Olsen, USA's began its first structured mascot program, building the image of South Paw that exists today. A new costume with an enlarged soft head with comical expression replaced the old paper mache head.
The ever-flirtatious and mischievous "Miss Pawla" joined "South Paw" in 1992. Today, the duo of "South Paw" and "Miss Pawla" represent the Jaguars at USA athletic competitions and other events throughout the Mobile community.
Coach Eddie Stanky: Affectionately known as "The Brat", Eddie Stanky put South Alabama Baseball on the map. His hiring in 1969, during the school's first decade, brought national attention to the University. The excellence of his teams and the style of baseball he established for the Jaguars continue to bring recognition to the school and city of Mobile.
In 14 years at the helm at South Alabama his teams posted a 488-193 (.717) record with 13 consecutive seasons of 30 or more wins, five NCAA Tournament appearances, a pair of Sun Belt Titles and No. 1 national rankings on two occasions, the first being in April of 1972 when the team opened the season 16-1 and made USA's first NCAA appearance.
Coach Stanky sent 43 players to the pros during his 14-year tenure at USA, including big leaguers Dave Stapleton of the Boston Red Sox, Mike O'Berry of the Cincinnati Reds and Pat Putnum of the Texas Rangers. In addition to the national recognition he brought to the University and the talented ball players he supplied professional baseball, Stanky provided area baseball fans with a lot of excitement. His clubs were known for playing a crowd-pleasing brand of baseball that featured hustle, speed and sound fundamentals that reflected the knowledge and tenacity of their mentor.
"He brought the University of South Alabama from just about point-zero to a national power in three years," said current South Alabama head coach Steve Kittrell, who played under Coach Stanky. "He put South Alabama on the map athletically. He is and always will be South Alabama baseball."
Stanky spent 11 years in the major leagues, playing in three World Series. He played for Leo Durocher and worked under Casey Stengel, managed Stan Musial, played next to Pee Wee Reese in Brooklyn, was a teammate of Warren Spahn with the Boston Braves and Willie Mays with the New York Giants. He posted a lifetime .268 batting average and set the National League record for walks in a season with 148 in 1945. As a player-manager with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955 he led the Redbirds to a 86-66 record and was named major league Manager of the Year by the Sporting News.
In 1980, USA's baseball field was dedicated in his name. A bronze statue of Stanky now greets fans at the entrance of Stanky Field.
Eddie Stanky passed away on June 7, 1999, at the age of 83.
Songs of USA:
FIGHT SONG
South! Alabama,
We're the pride of the red, white, blue
Loyal, strong, and faithful,
To our Alma Mater true.
South! Alabama,
We will cheer you to win the day.
For its J-A-G-U-A-R-S for
USA!
ALMA MATER
All hail great university, Our Alma Mater dear,
South Alabama, red and blue, proud colors we revere.
Nestled among the hills of pine, enduring throughout time,
Upward and onward may your fame continue in its climb.
It seems that we have just begun; too soon we must depart
In all that life has planned for us, you'll share within our hearts.
So with thy blessings now send us, pray highest be our aim,
South Alabama may we ever glorify your name!
School Colors: According to the minutes of a Board of trustees meeting on March 31, 1965:
"At the request of the student body of the University of South Alabama, President Whiddon presented for the Board's approval Black and Gold as School Colors, and the jaguar as the mascot."
USA's original school colors of black and gold and were chosen by a vote of the student body in 1965. However, according to Dr. Mel Lucas, USA's first athletic director, "Many of the students were from nearby Davidson High School whose colors were also black and gold. The next year, the coaches decided to change the colors to Red, White and Blue to go along with 'USA'. Another student vote was taken and the colors were changed to Red, White and Blue."
According to the minutes of a Board of trustees meeting on March 31, 1965:
"A report filed by John Finley, President of the Student Government Association stated that on June 1, 1967 an election was held and 83 percent of the student body present voted in favor of changing the University's colors to red, white and blue from black and gold."
After discussion, A resolution was unanimously approved by the board that made Red, White and Blue the official school colors.
Even with Red, White and Blue as the official colors, there have been some changes. At various times Jaguar teams have worn uniforms that included light blue, royal blue or navy.
The Jaguar Sculpture:
Feb. 3, 2001 saw the unveiling of the Jaguar Sculpture with a pep rally and fireworks display before the USA Men's Basketball team;s homecoming contest with Louisiana Tech. Located in front of the Mitchell Center, the Jaguar symbolizes strength of character, physical power and bravery.
The 12-foot long, one-ton sculpture was donated by Mayer and Arlene Mitchell and Abe Mitchell and created by Sam Nettles, a 1986 graduate in studio art sculpture from USA.
"The Jaguar sculpture, generously provided by the Mitchell family and sculpted by a USA alumnus, will become a focal point and a landmark on the on the University of South Alabama campus," said USA President V. Gordon Moulton. "It will be the centerpiece of countless photographs and will be enjoyed by many generations to come. Its permanence and symbolism will always remind us of our University and the many lives it has touched."
The Waterman Globe: This globe first rested in the Waterman Building (now SouthTrust Bank) from 1948 through 1973 and was a major attraction in downtown Mobile.
