OXFORD, Miss. -- It would be so much simpler if only the University of Mississippi mascot was some goofy animal. Like the Georgia Bulldog or the Florida Gator. It wouldn't even have to be an animal.

Cal’s bear, Oski, may be lovably goofy. It does not compare, however, to the brains, beauty and bark of the Tree, whose lack of an official name does not deter it from being the best mascot the ...

Developer Greg Lobanov, who grew up in the area and graduated from Drexel, found inspiration from the city's sports culture.