As a University of Illinois alum, one thing I’ve had to come to grips with is our “Fighting Illini” nickname. No. I’m not talking about the whole political issue. I just think the nickname is a bit redundant. Illinois Fighting Illini” doesn’t roll off the tongue like “Iowa Hawkeyes” or “Michigan Wolverines”. Too many damn ‘L’s and ‘I’s.
My list of redundant nicknames in the world of sports.
Major League Baseball
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Philadelphia Phillies
Minor League Baseball
Indianapolis Indians
Jamestown Jammers
College
Augsburg College Auggies
Illinois Fighting Illini
Lake Superior State University Lakers
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Miners
Pacific Lutheran University Lutes
St John University Johnnies
Silver Lake College Lakers
St Leo University Lions
St Olaf University Oles
US Merchant Marine Academy Marines
University of Utah Utes
High School
Rock Island (IL) Rocks
any team named “Saints” or “Mountaineers” (most of them have St or Mount in their name- West Virginia excepted)
The NFL’s Buffalo Bills fall into a totally separate category. They use their city name for their logo not their nickname. Also, I have to admit, the St Leo Lions was pretty clever.
I’m sure there are more. Especially, if you look into teams from the past. If you know of one, let me know.
Tom, how about the University of Utah Utes. Or at the high school level, the Rock Island H.S. Rocks.
i missed the utes. Good catch.
and I thought of the Rocks earlier. Some reason, I forgot to put it down. Thx!