NWF State College Debuts New Mascot
January 15, 2019
NICEVILLE, FL – Northwest Florida State College unveiled a new mascot, J.R. (Jimmy Raider), between the women’s and men’s basketball games on January 12. J.R. made his debut during a scrimmage with mascots from across the area. Sadly, Jimmy the Fox sustained a career-ending injury during the game and J.R. arrived in his place to make the game-winning basket!
J.R. replaced Jimmy the Fox as a better representation of General Jimmy Doolittle who led the squadron of B-25s on a daring raid to Japan as a reply to the attack at Pearl Harbor –a feat for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The significance of the mission, many believe, was a turning point in World War II. Those Raiders had trained at nearby Eglin Air Force Base.
“We are very proud of our new mascot,” said NWF State College President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “J.R. is an outstanding representative of our college, our athletic teams and General Jimmy Doolittle and his Raiders. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive IMPACT J.R. will have at various community events.”
Northwest Florida State College is honored to use the name “Raiders” as its school and athletic mascot. The student body chose the name “Raiders” in 1964.
Photo Caption: J.R. surrounded by members of the Raider Rhythms dance team