Sigh.  We’ve all been asked this question at some point in time, whether it’s inquired by our genuinely perplexed relatives, or (perhaps more likely) by a mocking, non-Tonka, Lake Conference peer.

It’s high time to clear the water over what seems to be our less-than-threatening mascot.  Here’s the short version: way back in 1952, Excelsior High School and Deephaven High School merged into the shiny new Minnetonka High School.  Thus, a new mascot was needed, as the old “Blue Jays” and “Wolves” couldn’t easily be melded into one cohesive character.  (Though I’m sure people would have been quite frightened by such a genetically modified creature.)

Anyways, the Skipper was chosen.  Though one of Merriam Webster’s definitions is an erratically active insect, a skipper is primarily defined as the master of a ship.

Putting aside all of the dissension we’ve gotten for our mascot, the choice makes a lot of sense.  We have the proximity to The Lake as well as to several others, and the compatible water-themed color scheme.  Perhaps most importantly—especially at a time when Veteran’s Day and the giving of thanks are on everybody’s minds—we would do good to remember that our nautical theme is patriotic as well.  The anchor outside MHS, given to the school by the Navy, acts as a permanent veteran’s memorial and strengthens the Skipper name.

Besides, Eagles are endangered, the Trojans were dumb enough to be fooled by a wooden toy, and Hornets only live for a few months.  Whether the Royals are cake-eating monarchs or lions that have never and will never live in jungles, I bet neither can navigate the seas as mightily as a Skipper.

So the next time someone asks you if the halls of Minnetonka are filled with students skipping gleefully from class to class, you should say this: we Skippers aren’t always the most clearly understood, but we surely are unique—in our unending list of sea-themed terms (think MAST, the Cove), our school pride, and our name.