Sparty
The Sparty Statue stands at the intersection of Kalmazoo and Farmlane on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU). The statue was once located at the stadium but due to vandalism the statue was relocated to its current location. The new location has done very little with preventing sabotage attacks. In 2002, students of the University of Michigan drenched the statue with blue and maze paint and sent photos to the local newspaper. Students of UofM viewed this act as payback for the loss of a football game at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Wolverines 26-24, on a last-second touchdown pass to running back T.J. Duckett[link], despite claims by Michigan fans that the clock should have expired before that final play.
Sparty is one of the favorite photo subjects of visitors to the campus and for the seniors of the university on graduation day. The statue has figures representing the 12 intercollegiate sports of the varsity program incised on its base.
The Sparty mascot is a three time national champion[link] mascot competing at the Universal Cheer Association Nationals Competition in Orlando, Florida. He also participates in events across the country including the NCAA Hall of Champions: Mascot Mania