15 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com about the cover Editor’s Note: Special thanks to photographer Thomas Runion who took photos of each school’s mascot for Mount Pleasant Magazine several football seasons ago. P.S. Go Tigers! For fans it’s all about bragging rights. For coaches and players it’s about legacy and chasing eternal glory. For mascots it’s about upholding traditions and wearing school spirit like a badge of honor. This year marks the 122nd Palmetto Bowl meeting between Clemson and South Carolina dating back to 1896. In terms of overall wins and losses, Clemson has dominated the series with 73 wins compared to USC’s 44. And four ties. But the most important number is the final on the scoreboard. Houses are divided and family feuds are inevitable. Grudges between siblings who attend rival schools are to be expected. Best friends will become bitter enemies, but only for that week. Let’s get to the crux of the rivalry: the mascots. In one corner, we have Clemson’s mascot, the Tiger, who first debuted in 1954 after replacing the long-standing “Southern Gentleman” mascot. Chosen for its strength and spirit, the Tiger quickly became a fierce symbol of Clemson pride. In the other, we have USC’s mascot Cocky, who originated in 1980 as the spirited successor to “Big Spur.” Originally booed by fans, Cocky won them over with charisma, clever antics and flashy entrances. Known for dancing, taunting rivals and even signing autographs in ASL, Cocky is a fan favorite and multiple-time national mascot champion. The Palmetto Bowl isn’t just a football game; it’s a feathered and furred fight for state superiority and neither mascot plans to blink first. FALL 2025 WIN CAROLINA VS CLEMSON TICKETS & FAN MERCH GIVEAWAY (PAGES 52 & 57) Tailgate Essentials Auto Directory Palmetto Pride Game Day Directory CHARLESTON RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE ANY GIVEN SATURDAY Vote for Best Of Mount Pleasant 2026 A Tale of Two Mascots Cocky vs. Tiger The Common • 210 Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant • 843-884-4814 www.ragamuffinchildrensboutique.com DANCE SHOP | PUMPKIN PATCH | GAME DAY | HOLIDAY | COTILLION | COORDINATING OUTFITS | PICTURE PERFECT | LOYALTY PROGRAM Children’s Boutique Newborn to size 7 All the Top Brands in Shoes! Full Service Shoe & Dance Shop Tween Shop! Just for Girls and Boys Sizes 7-16 PREPPED AND POSED FOR ANY OCCASION! Locally owned and operated for 70 years! @RagamuffinChildrensBoutique @Strideritemountpleasant @Radical Rags 2025 ® Voted Best Children’s Boutique!
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