MCCOLLUM'S COLUMN: Maybe more veggies should be added to the mascot diet

How about dem Fighting Stalks?

The College of William and Mary is considering nicknames to replace Tribe, which has been ruled unacceptable and politically incorrect by the NCAA because of its feathered Native American mascot.

So, William and Mary folks may be deciding to go vegetarian.

One of the leading candidates for the new mascot name ... honest to goodness ... is the Fighting Asparagus. The costumed mascot would be a stalk, which would rival Stanford's tree as one of the most grounded mascots in the NCAA.

The seeds for adoption of the Fighting Asparagus were planted because supporters claim that, combined with cheese sauce, represent the William & Mary's school colors of green and gold.

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There is a precedent for the veggie movement. Students at Delta State University, looking for an alternative to the old-school, Southern statesman mascot, have unofficially adopted the "Fighting Okra," reflected of a popular vegetable in delta farms that can is fuzzy, green and tough. They use a stalk for a mascot.

As I reflect on this trend, I think this vegetable trend could sprout. It supports a healthy lifestyle and students and cultivate and raise their own mascot.

Here are some other veggie mascots to consider, which can lead to some catchy slogans like ...:

BRUISING BEETS: "March to our Beet!"

AWESOME ARTICHOKES: "We have heart, how about you?"

SURLY SWEET PEAS: "We're going to climb all over you!"

CRUSHING CAULIFOWER: "We'll bash you with fiber!"

TERRIFYING TURNIPS: "Don't Turnip your noses to us!"

ROLLICKING RADISHES: "Try to take a bite out of us and discover how hot we can be."

BRUTISH BLACK-EYED PEAS: "We may have the black eyes, but you'll get the bruises."

STRING BEANS: "Victory in a snap!"

POWERFUL PURPLE HULLS: "We will shell you!"

BATTLIN' BROCCOLI: "Fear the Spears!"

CRUMPLING CELERY: Stick it to em, you apium graveolens!"

SCRUNCHY CARROTS: "Keep an eye on us!"

POWERFUL PARSLEY: "Try to clear us off your plate!"

MAMMOTH ONION PEELS: "We'll make you cry!"

GROWLING GARLIC: "Bring on the Vampires!"

MIGHTY MUSHROOMS: "Soar with the Spores!"

BIG BAD BRUSSELS SPROUTS: "You be on your rear with our vitamin A!"

Don't know if any of these suggestions will take root and bloom.

We're just planting seeds.

(Sports columnist David McCollum can be reached at 505-1235 or david.mccollum@thecabin.net)