As far as I can find, there are only 4 universities in the nation with mascots that are named after modes of transportation. There are many examples of mascots named after men that “drive” these modes of transportation including Captains, Pirates, Pilots, Engineers, etc. But the only four named for the actual vehicle include one plane, one train, one car and one boat. The reasons for the their selection follow:
A Georgia Tech professor drove a 1914 Model T to campus from 1916 to 1928. Students became very fond of the car and started calling it the Ramblin’ Wreck. It became a rite of passage to own a Ramblin’ Wreck, and students enjoyed keeping the shoddy cars alive using their engineering prowess. Today, the Wreck is an immaculately restored 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe. On September 30, 1961, the Ramblin’ Wreck rolled onto field for its first football game and has been on campus ever since. Note: the primary mascot of Georgia Tech are the Yellowjackets.
Purdue was started as a land-grant institution since its founding in 1869 – a college where the sons and daughters of the working class were educated for occupations considered beneath the elite. In the fall of 1891, Purdue acquired a working railroad engine to mount in a new locomotive laboratory. It was one step in the development of Purdue as one of the world’s leaders in engineering teaching and research.
The Dayton Flyers name is a reference and homage to Daytonians Orville and Wilbur Wright who pioneered air flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright designed the first airplane and built it at their bicycle shop in Dayton.
Shippensburg’s ship is a reference to the university’s nickname, “Ship,” and to Edward Shippen, the town’s namesake who made his fortune in shipping. The ship’s placement on a tipped oval creates the impression of motion. A raider ship is a fast and lightly armed privateer commissioned by governments to serve as a raider against enemies.
Deep Thoughts on Higher Ed and Life 