Asparagus, Briard and Boudica On W&M Mascot List

Let's hope the Tribe isn't creamed on the field...

By JIM IOVINO

Updated 2:15 PM EST, Mon, Jun 22, 2009

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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- What does an asparagus stalk, a briard and Boudica have in common?

They're all some rather uncommon entries into the mascot search contest at The College of William & Mary.

The school said Monday more than 400 nominations have been submitted. William & Mary for decades was known as the Indians, but the school changed its nickname to Tribe in the 1980s.

The NCAA ruled in 2006 that the college could keep the Tribe nickname but its feathered logo was demeaning to Native Americans and had to go.

The school's athletic teams will still be called the Tribe, but the college wants a mascot that may -- or may not -- match the nickname.

The asparagus stalk supporter notes that if served with cheese, the vegetable represents the school colors.

While colorful, it's hard to see opposing teams being intimidated by a vegetable that makes your pee smell funny. And what happens when they lose a game? It won't be long until they're taunted with references about getting "creamed."

Oh well, we think the asparagus mascot is still better than a phoenix, which seems to have plenty of support on campus.

There's still time for other mascots to be nominated. And in the end, the final decision will be made by the school's president. Sorry folks, no American Idol stunners here.

Check out the video below for a sample of the mascots envisioned across campus.