History of LBCC's mascot

Photo by William Allison

Somewhere between the sounds of a foghorn in Eugene and a chainsaw is Corvallis, you can hear the sound of a quiet, “Beep, beep.”  

That is the sound of the Linn-Benton Roadrunner, Rocky.  There are five different types of ducks in the state of Oregon, which is formally known as the Beaver State.  So it is no surprise why the two main state colleges in Oregon have the mascots of Ducks and Beavers.  

So why is the mascot of  Linn Benton Community College (LBCC) the Roadrunner.  

In her book, The History of Linn-Benton Community College, Rosemary Bennett gives a quick history.  In 1969, Linn and Benton Counties voted to start up a community college to meet the needs of the Willamette Valley.  The classes in the beginning (strictly evening classes) were, “held in 30 leased, begged or borrowed facilities in various locations throughout the district,” according to Bennett.

Could you imagine having to go to Sweet Home for math, Corvallis for history, and then Albany for communications.  This was the day in the life of an early LBCC student and faculty member.  In 1970, the first student council came together to vote on two important items.  Starting the first college newspaper, known as The Commuter, and picking a mascot to represent the college.  It is rumored that the students complained about running around on the road all day just to get to classes, that they decided to pick the mascot of Roadrunner.  Seems to fit.

Getting to know Rocky.  It is important to note, that Rocky, isn’t just a costume, he is a Roadrunner.  Barb Horn, Rocky’s handler, stated that, “They are going to have tryouts soon to get a new Rocky.”  So if your looking at furthering your mascot career, check with Barb.  Unfortunately, restrictions do apply.  “You have to be at least 5-8 to be Rocky,” said Barb.  

Roadrunners are well adapted to their environment.  Some can run faster than humans, and even the more lethal roadrunners can kill venomous snakes.  LBCC’s Rocky is a little more housebroken.  He is polite and conservative.  His domicile at LBCC remains “undisclosed,” Barb stated in a secretive tone.

Did you know that there is more than one Rocky?  Unlike the movies, there isn’t nine LBCC Rocky's, but there is a counterpart over at the Benton Center, that “appears to have a nicer face, kind of smiling,” laughed Barb.

Should Rocky run by us as fast as he can and keep on running? As of today, LBCC has four main campuses.  One in Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, and Sweet Home. The days of running the road are somewhat over.  

So what if today’s students were to pick a more up to date mascot to represent the school.  My idea, the platypus.  Half duck, half beaver, perfect!  We could be colored in green and orange, and have the best of both worlds.  The Civil War for LBCC students would be found only in history books.  We could remain neutral as Switzerland during those epic football battles.  

At a glance:
What: LBCC Mascot
Where: Linn-Benton Counties Oregon
The Commuter: http://lbcommuter.com/2016/01/20/the-history-of-rocky/