User:Adambiswanger1/Otto



Otto the Orange is the mascot for the Syracuse Orange. Otto is an anthropomorphic Orange, wearing a large blue hat and blue pants. Traditionally regarded as gender-neutral, Otto can usually be seen at Syracuse sporting and other events.

Before Otto
The Syracuse Mascot was originally a Native American character named Saltine Warrior (Syracuse is sometimes known as the Salt City). The character was born out of a hoax in which it was claimed that a 16th century Onandogan Indian chief was unearthed while digging the foundation for the women's gymnasium in 1928. In 1978, Native American students successfully petitioned the University to discontinue Saltine Bill, citing the mascot's stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans. During the 1978 season, the University introduced a Roman Gladiator, but the idea proved largely unpopular among fans.

Otto becomes the official mascot
For 17 years the University was unable to settle on a mascot until the Chancellor appointed a group of students and faculty to create a mascot and logo. In early 1995 the University officially named the Orange, popularly known as Otto, as the school mascot.