Meet the Stanford Tree: The Unofficial Mascot

The Stanford Tree, the school's unofficial mascot, discussed the dangers of his job and why other mascots won't talk to him.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:37 am

By: News On 6

Meet the Stanford Tree: The Unofficial Mascot

Originally Published: Apr 3, 2010 4:35 PM CDT

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Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO -- The Oklahoma Sooners (27-10) made the journey to San Antonio to face the Stanford Cardinal (35-1) in the NCAA Final Four.

While the Sooners will be accompanied by their mascots Boomer and Sooner, two white horses, the Stanford squad will represented by a color -- Cardinal.

The official mascot may be a color, but the unofficial mascot is a rambunctious student, dressed as a tree.

“I’m one of the few mascots that don’t actually play a role,” Jon Strange said. “I’m just a guy dancing in a tree costume.”

Strange was chosen to be the tree this year after participating in the tryout process, and while he said he has fun, he’s painfully aware of the dangers of his job.

“I got a knife pulled on me,” Strange said. “Some leaves were taken one time.”

Strange chose to be a pine this year, noting that the leaves used were much lighter than those in past years. He also said he has the upper hand over other mascots because he can talk.

“I just want to have fun.”

Watch the Sooners take on the Cardinal Sunday at 6 p.m.