Tiger Toons

Cedar Bluff votes to name the tiger

When it comes to the naming of our school mascot, some may not realize the importance of it, but Principal Rusty Thrasher shares how it all has to do with recognition.

“It’s something that would be so beneficial because it would give our mascot an identity. It’s something that would set it apart from everyone else because it wouldn’t just be the Cedar Bluff Tiger, it would have its own personality, its own form of identification.”

Cedar Bluff students and staff, as well as our community, know how identification matters and has changed the school climate since Thrasher became principal. He immediately began using the phrase, “It’s a great day to be a Tiger.”Such has since been adopted on letterheads, used in graduate speeches, repeated at assemblies, placed on marquees, and emphasized on social media.

The simple phrase fundamentally helped shape our school by its affirmation of who we are and how we are part of a great tradition, Cedar Bluff School

The Cedar Bluff mascot soon-to-be-named will have a similar impact. It is the embodiment of school spirit and responsible for engaging the crowds at not only various athletic events but organizational events as well, similar to Big Al for the University of Alabama and Cocky for Jacksonville State.

Hunter Thrasher is stepping in as this year’s mascot.

Thrasher said, “Hunter’s been wanting to be the mascot for the last year, so he asked Nikki Gossett, our cheer coach, about it. She got really excited… I actually had nothing to do with it. It is something he wanted to do himself.”

Hunter said he wants to contribute to the school culture in any way he can, and this is one of those ways.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity,” Hunter said. “It’s something I have always wanted to do, especially as I have grown up watching the Jacksonville State mascot. It is a way for me to be involved in the school life. I can’t wait to help get the fans excited.”

The school’s mascot, with its soon-to-be-revealed new name, will impact our school for generations as the catalyst of enthusiasm for our student body and endearment of what it means to be a part of the Cedar Bluff family.

“[The Tiger] will have a positive impact on our school, [giving] the students a sense of pride and excitement,” Principal Thrasher said.

The Tiger’s new name is to be revealed soon.

By: Josalynn Garrett + Katie Ochoa