Purdue fans shouldn't copy Florida's cheer

I would like to respond to Kevin Lee, proud resident of Florida and University of Florida football supporter.

Mr. Lee, now that your National Championship hopes have been dashed and your offer for airline tickets to Pasadena, CA on Priceline has been rescinded, let's really examine the issue at hand.

I agree that an appropriate addition to the student section repertoire is needed. However, emulating the nauseating fans of Florida football is not the answer and should stop immediately. Purdue needs to look at its own traditions and symbols. We need to look no further than our beloved Purdue University seal.

Our official emblem includes a griffin and a three-part shield. Any student of mythology may recall that the griffin, a symbol of strength, is half-eagle and half-lion. Why not incorporate this symbol of Purdue's strength on the gridiron with a hint from an existing tradition that has been proven to work at the expense of a "great" team represented by an appetizing reptilian mascot?

Auburn University has been greeting gridiron foes with the chant of "War Eagle" for decades. Why not take their lead, and begin a tradition of "War Griffin!" Before the kickoff, as we are rattling our keys, the crowd will intimidate all opposition with our battle cry. Mr. Lee and other students from the Schools of Engineering can observe with pride as their Purdue-built mechanical griffin soars after every touchdown!

I hope the above stirs the students to action. Great traditions live on and we need to adopt our own. As for Mr. Lee, enjoy the rest of the Purdue season and your time in Indiana. Soon it will be back to swamps, tourists, Katherine Harris and humdrum topography. GO BOILERS!

Michael Wilcox

Graduate Student

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Purdue fans shouldn't copy Florida's cheer

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