I remember when Calistoga had a similar mascot controversy back in ?73. It seems a group of cats felt that although they did occasionally dance on fences and get into a scrap now and then, they certainly were not “wild.” They instead considered this behavior normal and part of their natural mating ritual. They also were not fond of the moniker “Cat” and much preferred the term feline. So the search for a new mascot name was on. Someone suggested the Calistoga Crushers, however, this offended the grapes and made them shudder on the vine at the very thought of it.
Finally both sides agreed on a name. The rich spa heritage of Calistoga was taken into account and the Wildcats became the Mud Slingers. Both sides have been happy and slinging mud ever since. Everyone is satisfied, except I have heard some rumbling from the Old Faithful Geyser.
So Kelseyville rejoice! The Knights have been born! Go Knights! Fight Knights! Go, fight, win!
That is unless the Fair Maidens get organized and have their way…
Lou Cardoza
Calistoga
Editor”s Note: Just for the record, Calistoga”s teams are still called “The Wildcats.”
