LSU mascot Mike VI dies after battle with cancer

LSU announced on Tuesday that they lost their beloved mascot, Mike VI.

Mascots can be the bread and butter to a university’s reputation. Mascots are sometimes more symbolic to a program than the name itself. Mascots like Uga (Georgia) and Reveille (Texas A&M) are trademarks at their institutions. A game isn’t complete without them.

On Tuesday afternoon, LSU broke news about their mascot, Mike VI, and his lost to brain cancer.

A Bengal-Siberian mix, Mike VI started gracing the campus on Baton Rouge in 2007. Born into the name Roscoe, LSU renamed him in honor of the tigers he succeeded, Mike IV and Mike V. Now a part of the LSU community, Mike VI dazzled spectators with his striking coat and memorable personality. However, Roscoe’s life was put on hold.

When a nurse discovered a tumor near his right eye, that’s when alarms went off. Mike VI was eventually diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma. With that, his life expectancy dropped to a maximum of four months. Then, on October 10, Mike VI was transferred to hospice care.

The veterinarian team at LSU, led by Dr. David Baker, made the decision to go that route. They didn’t want their 11-year-old tiger in further pain. A day after being admitted to hospice care, Mike VI was humanly euthanized.

The live tiger mascot is a staple to LSU. So much so that the search for Mike VII is underway. When Mike V passed, Mike VI arrived only three months later. Now an official part of the campus in August 2007, the Tigers won their season opener 45-0 against Mississippi State. Mike VI was LSU’s lucky rabbit foot, their good luck charm.

And the love for Mike VI doesn’t end at the border of Louisiana. Other universities started pouring out their hearts when they heard Mike VI had cancer. The Texas Longhorns’ mascot, Bevo XV, even sent flowers.

It’s certainly a blow to the Death Valley faithful. Mike VI not only earned the admiration of his football team, but clawed his way into the hearts of others.

Former LSU pitcher, Louis Coleman of the L.A. Dodgers also voiced his sadness for the loss of his comrade:

Mike VI defined himself as more than just the first impression. He was the last impression when fans walked out of Tiger Stadium. His demeanor lit up the eyes around him. He was the spotlight. And it’s a tragic loss for LSU.

This weekend, LSU plays host to a scary Southern Miss (4-2) squad. LSU might also be without Leonard Fournette for the third straight week. While some are still reeling from Florida not rescheduling with LSU, do us one favor, Death Valley…

Win this weekend for Mike VI.