Playoff Time Brings out the Best Mascots

From Anteaters and Terrapins in the NCAA tournament to Mainstreeters and Spuds at the Minnesota state tournaments, this time of year brings out the best in mascots.

Southern Minnesota and the KRFO-listening area have their fair share of notable team mascots. Headlining the list is Blooming Prairie with their Awesome Blossoms. The mascot was in the running for the top Minnesota sports team name a few years ago but lost out to the Winhawks of Winona in a USA Today-run contest.

The Big Nine has its share of unique names joining the Winhawks. The John Marshall Rockets, Austin Packers and Mankato West Scarlets are all clever. Any one of those could land a team at the state tournament this year.

Does anything strike as fast as a Cobra? Triton's nickname is one of several great ones in the Hiawatha Valley League. Kenyon-Wanamingo's Knights work hard to defend their castle, which is the nickname of their gym. KW will take their moniker to the state wrestling tournament. Kasson-Mantorville's Komets also qualified for state wrestling. Hayfield has its Vikings. Cannon Falls has the Bombers, at least until a politically correct zealot steps forward.

Grand Meadow flies with the Superlarks. Cyclones whirl through St. Clair. While the Buccaneers of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown force their opponents to walk the plank in many sports.