NDCL “Home Away From Home” for Tony Bozeglav ... - eSchoolView

TheROARBehind the NDCL LionsMascots Share Personal AnecdotesEver wonderhow the lion becameNDCL’s school icon or theidentities of our school mascotthrough the years? While theNDCL Lion may not be able to leaptall buildings in a single bound likeSuperman; or catch thieves just likeflies as Spiderman – our Lion mascotcertainly adds to the excitement andpride of our school, enthusiastically leadingthe R O A R of fans at various pep ralliesand sporting events.Mascots are important symbols for manyorganizations, sports teams, and schools. NDCLis no exception. Here’s a historical tidbit: In 1936,before the big game with Shaker Heights, a studentpoll was conducted to determine an appropriate nicknamefor the Latin football team and all other Latin teams fieldedin competition. Cathedral Latin wanted a mascot that would tipoff opponents concerning what they could expect to encounterin sporting rivalries with Latin. The Lions, Mustangs andPanthers were the chief contenders. Students overwhelminglyvoted for the Lions, with 629 votes, followed by the Panthers,with 187 votes, and the Mustangs, with 120 votes.According to the book, History of Cathedral Latin School1916-1979, “When the name Lions was announced at the rallybefore the Shaker game, the students went ‘bananas’ in a deafeningroar that could be heard up and down East 107 Street. Streamerswere flying everywhere and showered down on the team, whichto a man welcomed their new name. Another feature of the rallywas the unveiling of a colored drawing which illustrated a fierce,snarling head of a lion.” Prior to that, Latin teams were simplycalled, “The Latins.” The Cathedral Latin Lions trounced Shakerand went on to win the next 25 consecutive games.Through the years, the lion has won the hearts of students,faculty, parents and CL, NDA and NDCL alumni alike – and therespect of opponents! Historic depictions included a snarlinglion, standing lion named “Tuffy,” and charging lion.4 Seasons Winter 2009 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin