What’s in a mascot’s name, anyway?

A filly: a female horse that is too young to be called a mare, typically under four years old.

A mustang: A small, hardy horse from the American plains.

Growing up in Iola, you’re destined to learn two cheers. “Let’s go, Mustangs!” and “Let’s go, Fillies!” Most readers can already hear the clap, clap, clap-clap-clap that follow. As children, we have repeated these chants year after year until it finally hits: why does Iola High School have two mascots?

The history behind the two mascots is unknown to me. Did they want to establish different identities: boys as daring Mustangs and girls as respectable Fillies? Was one ashamed to be grouped with the other? 

While the history behind this decision matters — and I’m curious to know more about it — it’s also important that our larger school community listen to the thoughts of current Iola High School students about the different mascots.

“I feel being a filly somehow makes me less of an athlete, just because I’m not a ‘Mustang,’” commented IHS junior Gabby Richards. “Every out-of-towner says that we’re the ‘Iola Mustangs’ and not technically being a Mustang makes me feel really left out of the conversation.”

IHS junior Shane Winner also commented, “I’ve never understood the reasoning behind the two separate names, and, honestly, I think it’s kind of redundant. I think we could look a lot more united if we were all just the ‘Iola Mustangs.’”

When one closely examines the definitions, it’s curious why “filly” and “mustang” were chosen in the first place. Why isn’t Iola the home of the stallions and mares? Or just mustangs, as “mustang” doesn’t refer to a horse’s sex, just the breed? Fillies — by definition too young to be a mare and the same age as a colt — seem to be much more docile compared to a mustang, whose name refers to its untamed nature. 

Granted, this isn’t a pressing issue that dives deep into the hearts of community members. I’m not expecting our school district’s leaders to change the name anytime soon. But I think it’s important young people can at least talk about these issues and ask questions about our community’s history. By having these conversations, we can work to create an equal, positive atmosphere for future generations.

Allie Utley is currently in 11th grade and is a communications intern for Thrive Allen County. She writes a bi-weekly column focused on issues that matter to young people.