Hard to believe, but this one actually has nothing to do with the fact that the town name is pronounced exactly like Karo syrup.
The connection comes rather from the W.B. Roddenbery Company, who were known for manufacturing sugarcane syrup. As I understand it, that’s like molasses, but not as strong. In addition to cane syrup, the company also produced other syrups, pickles, boiled peanuts, and peanut butter. It closed in 2002
The town has over 10,000 people, and is in the southwest part of the state, right on the border with Florida. It dates back to 1835. It’s main claim to fame is being the birthplace of Jackie Robinson.
The high school is officially the Cairo High School College and Career Academy. It’s got quite 1,300 students. Looks like they have all the standard sports, with the 2008 football team winning the Georgia AAA title.
The mascot dates back to 1940, replacing the very standard (and extremely boring) Tigers. Supposedly, the Rodenberry Company had donated rain jackets to the school with “Roddenbury Syrup” on them. Guess the name stuck. In 1986, ESPN voted the mascot the best in the country.
In 1994, the high school added a physical mascot – basically, a big pitcher. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a pic of it.
By the way, it’s only the boys teams that are the Makers. Girls teams are called the Maids instead.
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