April Fools: Fleetwood Poses Alternatives for New School Mascot

Throughout its history, Fleetwood Area School District has been represented athletically by the colors red and white. However, the once beloved team nickname, the Tigers, is nearing the end of its time as the school mascot.

The Tiger, established as Fleetwood’s mascot in 1919, was given to the athletics programs of the school in commemoration of the fearsome touring circus cats that were once bred in the surrounding area.

“The references are out of date, and few remember why we are the Tigers anymore,” Fleetwood Historical Society janitor Frank Harrison said.

Harrison, an aging volunteer at the Historical Society, witnessed both the circus tigers as well as the original soccer team that bore the nickname.

“I fondly remember those days; they were some of the best times of my life,” Harrison said.

In response to this loss of connection with the past, the athletic board at FASD has decided that a nickname change is in order.  After hours upon hours of deliberation, the board could not come to a decision and voted to have the school decide.

“We narrowed the list down to three decent names, and we think the pupils will make the right decision,” said a board member who asked to remain anonymous.

The Fleetwood school board decided that, on 5 April, students will choose one of three potential nicknames for all athletic teams at the Fleetwood Area School District.

The options have been narrowed down to the following options:

1. The Fleetwood “Roaring Tapirs” — A reference to the wild, pig/elephant-like creatures that used to roam Fleetwood until their habitat was destroyed by the creation of the Fleetwood Cadillac factories.
2. The Fleetwood “Rebels” — A reference to the large population of Confederate sympathizing farmers in the area during and after the civil war. Many of their descendants still live in Fleetwood today.
3. The Fleetwood “Chassis” — In memory of the Fleetwood Cadillac, a car that has had a great impact on local lives.