Informative Speech

If a Tiger fought a Bulldog, who would win? Well, that’s a dumb question bc obviously after this past weekend we know the answer to that. But what about a gamecock? Or a gator? Just think about a buckeye? Can yall think of anything that could realistically beat a tiger in a fight? Didn’t think so

Maybe that explains why we have the best mascot in all of college football! I’m sure you all know a little bit about the history of Mike the Tiger, but I’m here to inform you on some of the major details about each of the 6 tigers.

Dating all the way back to 1936, the first LSU mascot was brought onto campus. The campus was closed for a “school holiday” so everyone could be there when they brought Mike in. You might ask yourself, why do we call our mascot Mike? Well, the man who collected the money and took it upon himself to bring the tiger to LSU’s campus was named Chellis “Mike” Chambers, so they named the tiger, who was originally named Sheik, Mike.

Being a young cub, Mike only remembered his original name and the only way they could get him to roar was by calling him Sheik. While Mike wasn’t traveling with the football team, he stayed at the City Park Zoo. It wasn’t until after he got his paw stuck between the bars of his cage and he slashed a man that he was moved down the hill into his new home, a 27 X 34 outdoor cage. Mike I’s reign ended in 1956.

After Mike I died, it was necessary for another tiger to be purchased to replace the beloved Mike I. Kenneth Deshotel of St. Landry introduced a resolution in the Louisiana legislature for another tiger to be purchased. Once again, when Mike II arrived, the campus was closed for another “holiday” and everyone celebrated.

Having only been the mascot for a little less than a month, Mike II got pneumonia and died. Mike II was buried along the Mississippi River under a willow tree, and was replaced before anyone even knew he died. Still to this day, many people don’t know that there are actually 2 Mike II. The second Mike II died in 1958 bc of multiple fractures to his left rear leg.

There was definitely something special about Mike III. He began his reign right in time for the National Championship season of 1958. Not only did he come in and support the football team in their national championship win, but Mike III was the only tiger that the trainers could get to roar with a verbal cue.

All they had to say to him was “Get em Mike” to make him roar. Mike III experienced many bowl games, 3 SEC championships, and a National Championship in his 18 years as the mascot. Mike III died of pneumonia in 1976 after the first losing season of his lifetime.

Originally being named Jerry, Mike IV started his reign in 1976. During the summer of 1981, Mike IV stayed in the Little Rock Zoo while his living habitat was enlarged from 400 to 1100 square feet. One night in November of 1981, someone cut open Mike IV’s cage, releasing him into the open. The LSU police called Dr. Bivin, the man in charge of Mike, and told him that Mike had gotten out.

Ending up on the track stadium, Mike was shot with 3 tranquilizer guns, put back into his cage, and woke up the next morning not feeling any pain from the night before. Mike IV reigned for 14 years and was put to sleep due to health complications.

Mike V reigned for 17 years as the school’s mascot and recently died two years ago. Mike V’s original name was Stevie. Mike V had been described as “easiest to handle, with a calm and friendly disposition.”

During his last years as the mascot, many people donated money to the “I like Mike” foundation which paid for Mike to get a new habitat which was much nicer than the one he, along with the 4 tigers before him, lived in. He moved into the new habitat in 2005, and passed away May 18, 2007.

In August 2007, Great Cats of Indiana donated Mike VI to LSU. As stated by Dr. Baker, “not only is he very handsome, with markings unlike any tiger we have ever had, but his personality is remarkable. He is extremely confident, interactive, inquisitive, and friendly toward people. He appears to already be forming a relationship with his student caretakers and seems most content when they are with him." Mike VI has already begun and will continue to share his tradition with the LSU family for years to come.

For 73 years, LSU has welcomed 7 Bengal tigers to the LSU campus, and although each one came from a different place and had a different name, it didn’t take long for them all to be known as ‘Mike’, the ferocious mascot for the LSU Fighting Tigers.

Oh, I did leave one thing out – the diet of these great animals is complicated and wide-ranging. It seemed as though each Mike had his special tastes, but one thing’s for sure – they all love the taste of Gators. Geaux Tigers