If you’re not a Star Wars fan, you may recognize the distinctive image of Admiral Ackbar from a large pool of internet memes.
The University of Mississippi has been without a mascot since the ouster of Colonel Reb in 2003, and if not replaced, the school will be the sole participant in the Southeastern Conference lacking a mascot. Students just voted to select a new mascot, and 75% don’t favor continuing on without one , particularly since many traditions (like waving Confederate flags at games) have been banned:
“We’re tired of having nothing to represent us,” said junior Josh Hinton, a member of the Associated Student Body, which approved a resolution calling for the vote. “We’ve gotten our song taken away. We want to have some kind of tradition back.”
Admiral Ackbar, known largely for his “It’s a trap!” catchphrase, is rumored to be leading in suggestions for a new mascot. A Facebook fan page set up for the Star Wars character states his case:
I am the former Admiral of the fleet of the Galactic Rebellion. I spend much of my time now looking into new ways to use my skills as a leader of Rebels. Currently my interests are in-line with those of the University of Mississippi, which, as fate would have it, is in search of a new leader for its Rebels.
I fully believe that LSU is a part of the Hutt crime family, Nick Saban is in fact Darth Vader, and Dan Mullen and his Bulldogs are a bunch of pesky sand people that won’t go away.
You can also follow the efforts to make Ackbar the new Ole Miss mascot on Twitter , or visit a website set up to promote the campaign.
