The Violets apparently love their name so much that in 1983—upon re-launching the NYU basketball program after a 12-year hiatus—they personified it as a mascot. Courtside at the inaugural November 26 game was a walking, talking flower decked out in a skintight green bodysuit, huge purple necklace and violet face paint. Somehow, players from the opposing Community College of New York team were not intimidated. NYU lost. In 1984, the university decided to change the mascot. Students lobbied for something more intimidating (Vikings, Vanguards, Victors…) but to no avail. The school decided on the Bobcat. Sounds fierce—except that it was named after the cartoon character created to guide users through the Bobst Library catalog. Maybe next time.
See pictures of eighth-graders being recruited for college basketball.