Mike the Tiger - History
About our Tiger
Other mascots were proposed during the first 40 years of LSU's football team, but the tiger mascot stuck. From 1896 to 1924, students made paper-maché tigers that they took to football games; however, these man-made mascots were quickly destroyed by opposing fans. On October 21, 1936 , Mike I arrived, named in honor of Athletic Department trainer Chellis "Mike" Chambers, the man most responsible for bringing him to LSU.
1936-1956
Mike I
Originally known as "Sheik" at the time of his purchase, his name was changed to Mike to honor Mike Chambers who served as LSU's athletic trainer when the first mascot was purchased. Mike I reigned for 20 years before dying of pneumonia.
1956-1958
Mike II
The second Mike served a brief reign, lasting only through the 1957 season before dying of pneumonia in the spring of 1958.
1958-1976
Mike III
Just in time for the 1958 national championship season Mike III was brought in and served as a mascot for 18 seasons, dying after the only losing season of his reign as LSU posted a 5-6 record in 1975
1976-1990
Mike IV
1990-2007
Mike V
Mike V was introduced to LSU fans at a basketball game against Alabama in February of 1990. He officially began his reign on April 30, 1990, when he was moved into the tiger habitat across from Tiger Stadium. Mike V died on May 18, 2007, at the age of 17.
2007-Present
Mike VI
Mike VI arrived in Baton Rouge on Aug. 25, 2007. The Bengali Siberian mix, formerly known as "Roscoe," reigned over a football national title in his first year and most recently, a 2011 Southeastern Conference championship and perfect regular season.