Unveiling The Stanford Tree: Mascot Secrets & Stories
Is it possible for a single costume to embody an entire university's spirit? For Stanford University, the answer is a resounding yes, as the Stanford Tree has become an iconic symbol of the institution's quirky charm and unwavering pride.
The tradition, deeply ingrained in the fabric of Stanford life, sees individuals don the elaborate tree costume, a symbol of the Stanford band's mascot and an unofficial emblem of the university itself. This isn't just a role; it's an experience, a commitment that extends until the moment they pass the leafy mantle to their successor. The selection process is not a casual affair; its a journey undertaken by a select few. Initially, an information session draws in a group of prospective participants, but only a handful of determined "sprouts" ultimately decide to immerse themselves in the role. One such individual, Sarah Young, this year's Tree, exemplifies this dedication. Not only does she embrace the persona, but she also took on the task of designing and constructing her own unique tree costume, a testament to the individual's devotion to the role and the institution.
The legacy of the Stanford Tree dates back to 1975 when Christine Hutson conceived and crafted the original costume. This initial creation, born from cardboard and fabric, has seen its design evolve dramatically over the decades. Each year, the incumbent Tree is responsible for creating a new iteration, ensuring that the costume stays fresh and relevant. The heightened visibility of the Stanford Tree has led to some memorable, and at times, confrontational encounters, especially with students from the University of California, Berkeley, often referred to as Cal. These instances, while not always amicable, have become a part of the Tree's history, a testament to the spirited rivalry between the two institutions.
The Tree's presence is felt at every major event, from athletic contests to rallies and community gatherings. This commitment and presence extend to the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (LSJUMB), the band's official student band representing the University and its athletic teams. Known as the "World's Largest Rock and Roll Band," the LSJUMB and its mascot, the Stanford Tree, provides entertainment at sporting events, student activities, and other functions. Dahkota Brown 20, a recent embodiment of the Tree, made headlines last spring with a Tree Week campaign, underscoring the mascot's growing influence. The Trees popularity also extends beyond the Stanford community. Big Red has also drawn attention, particularly at the annual Battle of the Bands, which has been held at the University of California, Davis. Another instance to remember is when Kelly left the tree costume on the bus after a long day in the sun, unfortunately, Cal students broke into the bus and stole the costume.
The Trees presence has also, at times, attracted media attention. During the last weekend, ESPN aired footage. The Tree itself is the band's mascot, and the costume is returned to Stanford. Despite the tree's high profile, there have been some challenging episodes. In 2003, during a rally at Pier 39 in San Francisco, the Stanford Tree costume was stolen. The thieves, in a brazen move, sent a ransom note, demanding $300 for its return. The Cal band manager took matters into their own hands, sending an email urging the students to return the costume and warned them to face legal action. The Tree was returned to Stanford after this situation.
The Stanford Tree is more than just a mascot; it is a representation of the school's character. It represents the university's spirit, its traditions, and its unique identity, which has been evolving since 1975. The Trees existence is constantly being updated, from designing and constructing costumes to the Trees physical presence and activities. The tree is an important and valued part of the Stanford community. Stanford will have a homecoming game against Washington state.
To encapsulate the essence of the Stanford Tree, here's a breakdown:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | Mascot of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (LSJUMB) and unofficial mascot of Stanford University |
| Purpose | To represent the university at athletic games, rallies, community gatherings, and student activities. |
| History | Tradition dates back to 1975, with the original costume created by Christine Hutson. |
| Costume | Created anew each year by the incumbent Tree, evolving in design over time. |
| Incidents | Known for interactions (and sometimes altercations) with Cal students; the costume has been stolen on occasion. |
| Impact | Iconic symbol of Stanford's quirkiness, spirit, and tradition. |
The spirit of the Tree lies not just in its visual presence but in the individual behind the costume, the individual that provides a unique personality. This is evident in stories, one example is the unusual incident when the usual tree performer needed to use the restroom and asked the Miami mascot performer to don the tree costume for a short duration. Theres also the story about the pants. This is all the evidence to show the unique charm of the tree.
