:cry: :cry: He was also my Mike, and considering the length of his reign, probably a good many of the rest of us here, too. R.I.P. Mike! We love you!
:geaux: Mike V died the day I graduated (the second and last time). Still brings a tear to my eye. I saw Mike VI over Thanksgiving for the first time. He's a beautiful tiger, and I was happy to see a tiger back in the cage (er, habitat). :tigerhead:tigereye:
Mike III (1958-1976) Mike III was born on November 26, 1957 and arrived from the Seattle Zoo just in time for LSU's 1958 National Championship football season. During Mike III's 18-year reign, LSU also won three Southeastern Conference football championships (1958, 1961, 1970) and eight of 13 bowl games. Mike III died of pneumonia in 1976 after the only losing LSU football season of his lifetime. The mascot's death affected the students and faculty so greatly that the vet at the time, W. Sheldon Bivin, said he would never allow another tiger to die on campus.
Mike IV (1976-1990) Mike IV, originally called Jerry, was born at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida in 1974. He was donated by August A. Busch III and was two years old when he came to LSU in August 1976. One memorable incident involving Mike IV began in the early-morning hours of November 28, 1981 when pranksters cut the locks on Mike's cage. The tiger roamed freely for hours, attacked a small tree :lol:, and appeared to be enjoying himself before becoming trapped in the Track Stadium near his cage. Three tranquilizer shots later, the wandering mascot was returned to his home without further incident and awoke without ill effects.[4] Mike IV reigned for 14 years and retired in 1990 to the Baton Rouge Zoo where he lived until his death in 1995 at the age of 21.
Mike V (1990-2007) Mike V was considered to have the best personality of all the tigers that have served as LSU's symbol. Originally named Stevie, he was donated by Dr. Thomas and Caroline Atchison of the Animal House Zoological Park in Moulton, Alabama. Born on October 18, 1989, the 7-pound baby tiger was introduced to LSU fans at a basketball game in February 1990. In his 17-year reign, Mike V saw an LSU football team win another National Championship (in 2003) and received both a new trailer and a massive renovation of his enclosure. In March 2007, Mike V officially began a three-stage retirement. His personal vet, David Baker, cited his age and health as reasons. Mike V retained his mascot status and lived in his on-campus habitat until his death. Mike the Tiger passed away on May 18, 2007 at 2:23 AM. The cause of death was renal failure. :bncry:
Plus 5 baseball National Championships :thumb: I was shocked at how much his death affected me. :bncry:
Yep, I betcha Marquise is just sitting around Heaven waiting for the game. Yes he is, I think the Tiger is the most beautiful animal ever. :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux: :geaux:
