A Brief History of the Mocs

Interestingly, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga mascot, the “Moc”, has not always been the train-driving conductor’s hat-toting Mockingbird that now adorns the school’s gymnasium.  The UTC mascot is steeped in a rich history that has, at times, transcended the ever-popular realm of bestial mascots.

In 1928, the Agkistrodon piscivorus (more commonly known as the water moccasin) represented UTC.  With its quick reflexes, venomous bite and unmatched rage, the moccasin was chosen as the perfect mascot for UTC (see below).

Agkistrodon piscivorous

Unfortunately, just years after choosing this little guy as its mascot, UTC received a record low number of applications.  After investigating the situation, it was discovered that the murderous serpent was in fact scaring away potential applicants!  It was time for a new mascot.

After much careful deliberation, UTC finally decided to adopt a less frightening new mascot, more palatable for the younger set.  It was with this in mind that the University ultimately chose a shoe–specifically, the moccasin.  After all, what do children and college students enjoy more than shoes.  The moccasin is a shoe worn by Native Americans, hunters, traders and settlers in the frontier regions of North Ameica.  They come in a wide variety of styles, including but not limited to JC Penny’s American Living Moccasin Slipper and LL Bean’s Grand Lake Bison moccasin.  Not unlike the student body at UTC, moccasins are available in a variety of aesthetically pleasing and shapes and colors.

Dark Inidigo Grand Lake Bison Braid Moccasins

But like its predecessor, the shoe-themed mascot would not last.  In the early nineties the UTC administration decided it wanted to move away from venomous serpents and Native American footwear in the direction of smirking avian anthropomorphic train conductors.  And thus Scrappy the Mockingbird (pictured below) was born.

Scrappy the Mockingbird

-Tristan