WHAT MAKES A

MASCOT? JASON HENNINGTON

publisher@taylorpress.net
In East Williamson County, the mascots are unique, and
carry a lot of pride for each school.

E
very school has a mascot. Whether it is a Bulldog, a
Yellow Jacket, a Tornado or even a Poca Dot (yes, that
is a real high school mascot), every school is represented
by an object to bring good luck to symbolize the school.
Timmy & Nancy Talley, Owners
(512) 365-1979
nancohomes@att.net | www.nancohomesinc.com
Taylor is represented by a Duck, while Hutto is a Hippo,
Thrall is a Tiger and Granger is a Lion.
TAYLOR DUCKS
The Taylor Ducks have been proudly quacking for a
number of years, this year makes 97 to be exact. It all
started during a rainy season in 1924 when the Seventh
Street Campus was in its second year. C.R. Drake was the
head coach, beginning his second year in Taylor, and during
a muddy game in November at Memorial Field, Taylor
earned its famous nickname. Someone made a remark, “that
the team members are just like a bunch of ducks.”
They were referred to as “Drake’s Ducks” for the rest of
the season.
When Drake resigned in 1930, the name was shortened
to the Ducks and was later made official.
Through the years, the classic Taylor Duck became
known as Drallam, which is Mallard spelled backwards. The
live mascot appearing at games and pep rallies is Waddles.
HUTTO HIPPOS
Hutto is represented by a 7,000-pound hippo named
Henrietta. Local legend has the origins of the Hutto Hippo
in 1915, when a circus train carrying animals stopped to fill
up with water. At some point while the train was stopped, a
hippo escaped and walked to Cottonwood Creek. The hippo
remained so long it delayed the train until it’s handlers were
able to get it out.

GRANGER LIONS
There is not one, but two mascots for the Granger Lions.
There is a male and a female lion who go by the name of
Leo and Leona.

THRALL TIGERS
There are several Tiger statues spread across the
A reputation for excellence campuses in Thrall ISD, but did you know the Tigers mascot
has a name? The Thrall Tiger is known to all as Trixie.
48 TAYLOR 76574