Embracing Uniqueness: Delta State College’s Unconventional Mascot, the Combating Okra

College sports have always been a major part of American culture, with Division I usually hogging the limelight. However, the charm and competitiveness in the other NCAA divisions should not be overlooked.

Delta State College, a Division II institution, has carved a niche for itself with its mascot, the Combating Okra, a spirited vegetable that has been part of the college’s athletic identity since the 1990s.

The Unconventional Mascot

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State College boasts a modest student body of around 3,000 and is renowned for its aviation program. Despite offering a variety of degrees, the institution is best known for its unconventional choice of mascot. While the official mascot of Delta State College is The Statesmen, reflecting the school’s team names, the Combating Okra holds a special place in the hearts of the students and fans.

The Origins of the Combating Okra

The emergence of the Combating Okra traces back to over 25 years ago when a group of inventive students, disenchanted with The Statesmen, rebelled by creating their own mascot. Sporting the Combating Okra costume at games, these students aimed to exhibit school pride while expressing their dissatisfaction with the existing mascot.

Initially met with resistance, the Combating Okra eventually won the affection of the students and the institution itself. While not the official mascot, the spirited vegetable has found a place alongside The Statesman. Its precise inception might be shrouded in folklore, but the current and former students of Delta State College have exuberantly embraced the feisty green mascot, elevating its popularity above The Statesmen.

The Combating Okra has even garnered national attention, featuring in a SportsCenter advertisement and becoming a staple at the college’s major sports events, donning its characteristic boxing gloves.

A Symbol of Campus Spirit

Beyond its role in sports, the Combating Okra has transcended its initial purpose, becoming an integral part of the college’s student life and academic panorama. Its influence is pervasive, with initiatives such as the O.K.R.A. summer camp (Outdoor + Kids = Recreation & Activity), highlighting the extensive reach of the spirited mascot.

Furthermore, students at Delta State College have established a record label, Combating Okra Records, where the resolute vegetable takes center stage in album artwork. The student-run label has successfully launched three albums, demonstrating the widespread impact of the determined vegetable on campus culture.