Sep 25, 2020 · Here's the true story of how Southern Illinois adopted the nickname "Salukis." What is a Saluki? A Saluki is "an Egyptian-bred dog which is the oldest of all domesticated dogs," reported the...

Jun 12, 2016 · What's a Saluki? In the late 1940s, there was a growing interest on the part of the University's student body and others to adopt a more imaginative mascot for their athletic teams than "Maroons."

SIU's sports mascot is the Saluki. A Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back over 6000 years and is an Egyptian hunting dog. They are sight hounds and can run in excess of 42 mph. The greyhound, afghan, borzoi and whippet are derived from Saluki. [2] SIU's teams originally competed under the team name "Maroons" from 1913 to 1951. [2]

Aug 26, 2019 · The name ‘Saluki’ wasn’t even on the ballot of new names until the future mascot visited the campus one day in 1951. In King Tut’s short reign as the mascot, he became an instant icon and ever since his untimely death in 1954, SIU has made it …

Sep 6, 2014 · Jim and Vicki Blair of Energy have touted as many as 13 Salukis and have been featured on national television for their prized pooches. Their dog, Ramses, is the latest Saluki mascot....

Dec 14, 2022 · Being a Saluki means more than going to class, attending athletic events and hanging out on campus. It means dedicating yourself to your passion. It's a lifelong designation that starts you down the path of success.

History of Saluki Mascots S as SIU’s sports symbol in 1951, 22 different Saluki dogs have graced the campus as the team mascot. The first, and most well known, was King Tut who came to SIU in 1953, but was killed in an automobile accident just one year later.

King Tut was the mascot of the Southern Illinois Salukis, and is buried beneath a small pyramid at the entrance to Saluki Stadium.

Jun 24, 2024 · The Saluki mascot symbolizes the spirit of SIU. Known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong athletics, SIU is a place where students can grow, learn, and make lifelong memories.

The Salukis are a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and play in Saluki Stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois, which has a seating capacity of 15,000. The Salukis are coached by Nick Hill, [2] who was the starting quarterback for the Salukis in 2006 and 2007.