[Webmaster's note: This article is a joke. It's kind of like "April Fools" but without the "April Fools". Got it? Please do not take it too seriously.]

A new mascot for Lake Superior State University is to appear at the beginning of the fall 2008 semester. It has been brought too many students’ attention over the years that the current mascot, an anchor, is not tenacious enough to really carry the spirit that drives the University. That is why the Department of Mascot Affairs at Lake State has come up with a new mascot, the Jackalope. When the Director of Mascot Affairs, Dr. Lapin was asked why the sudden change she responded, “Our department has noticed a decrease in attendance at the University’s sporting events and social gatherings. Having an inanimate object as our mascot has been the leading cause of this decrease by our research. A livelier and intimidating animal such as the Jackalope will be a sure thing to boost our spirits.”

Jerseys, labels and all apparel having the Lake State Anchor will soon be relics of the past. The adoption of the new mascot has not been taken well with Alumni. When interviewing Alumnus Robert Gruey, a theatre major with focus in creative expressionism he commented with, “I lived, slept and ate anchor and now to hear the University changing its identity is horrible. What am I going to be in the future, a Laker or a Jackalope Alumnus?”

The change is to happen with or without the support from the student body. All those who wish for new Jackalope apparel can turn in their Laker fan jerseys, apparel and other articles to the department and receive a new jersey or similar item of which they turned in. Some students currently attending find the new mascot refreshing and exciting. In an interview with John Renard, a sophomore in Biology, he claims “I think it is a great idea. Yeah so what if we’re by the lakes and Lakers come in and out all the time. A new mascot will do some good.”

Either way the change is to take place, for the better or for the worst. Artists and hobby drawers are encouraged to submit designs for the new mascot. The due dates for these submissions are March 30, 2008. These submissions should be sent to the Department of Mascot Affairs which is located on the third floor of South Hall.