Just curious

[ragingtirefire]

I'm not really sure how, but this question came up on our board ( www.flamefans.com ) and I figured that you guys would be the best to answer it.

Why is Portland State called the Vikings?

 

[PortlandStater]

I have no idea. Probably because sports guys are not the most creative people in the world when it comes to names.

Look at how many wildcats, bears, warriors there are out there.

I'd be for the "Portland State Hipsters" or the "PSU Vegans" to reflect the general school spirit.

 

[ManOfVision]

I have no idea. Probably because sports guys are not the most creative people in the world when it comes to names.

Look at how many wildcats, bears, warriors there are out there.

I'd be for the "Portland State Hipsters" or the "PSU Vegans" to reflect the general school spirit.

Yeah, my favorite is when you have multiple teams with the same name in the same conference. The SEC, for instance, includes two Tigers and two Bulldogs!

 

[PSUVikings2]

I have no idea. Probably because sports guys are not the most creative people in the world when it comes to names.

Look at how many wildcats, bears, warriors there are out there.

I'd be for the "Portland State Hipsters" or the "PSU Vegans" to reflect the general school spirit.

Yeah, my favorite is when you multiple teams with the same name in the same conference. The SEC, for instance, includes two Tigers and two Bulldogs!

Yep, also the WAC contains two Bulldogs and two Aggies.

 

[skywaker9]

Probably because of the Vanport flood. PSU was originally known as the Vanport extension center and was located near the state line on the Columbia. After the area flodded during the Columbus Day flood (I think), PSU moved to its present location. I think we were named the Vikings because our college literally had to move from an area that was flodded out.

 

[forestgreen]

Some reason I think the students in the 50's or 60's voted in the name Vikings. Why? I don't know.

 

[PortlandStater]

Probably because of the Vanport flood. PSU was originally known as the Vanport extension center and was located near the state line on the Columbia. After the area flodded during the Columbus Day flood (I think), PSU moved to its present location. I think we were named the Vikings because our college literally had to move from an area that was flodded out.

So what's the link? Water? In that case, Beavers and Ducks would have worked as well...or Buccaneers.

 

[martymoose]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanport,_Oregon

 

[PortlandStater]

Yes, I know the history of Vanport, but I still fail to see the Viking connection. Am I missing something obvious?

 

[martymoose]

Like forestgreen said, it was just voted on.

Thank goodness we're not the Portland State University Horned Frogs. ;-)

 

[GustaViking]

Or the Geoducks (gooeyducks) !!!