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." That nondescript name had carried over from the first year the university formally sponsored teams in 1913-14.Â
On March 19, 1951, SIU's student body of 2,000 overwhelmingly voted in favor of adopting "Salukis" as the new nickname for the university's teams. For the record, there were 536 "Saluki" votes, while 144 chose "Rebels." Other nicknames receiving some support were Knights, Flyers, Marauders and, of course, Maroons.
PBS Video
Dogs That Changed the World: The Speedy Saluki
Salukis are one of the earliest dog breeds, dating back to 3600 B.C., and rose to prominence during the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt, when they frequently appeared in ancient Egyptian artwork on tombs. Therein lies the natural tie to Southern Illinois, a region which is frequently referred to as "Little Egypt."Â
Local author Baker Brownell wrote in his book, The Other Illinois, "Although the legend probably was invented after the fact, it is persistent. There was a drought in the northern counties (of Illinois) in the early 1800's...the wheat fields dried up, the streams died in their beds. But in southern Illinois rain fell and there were good crops, and from the north came people seeking corn and wheat as to Egypt of old. Thus, the name 'Egypt'."
The story parallels the Biblical account of a famine in which Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain from their brother Joseph (Genesis 41:57, 42:1-3).
"And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why do you just keep looking at each other?"  He continued, "I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die."  Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.
The Saluki breed is known for its speed, grace and endurance. In 1996, the Guinness Book of Records listed a Saluki as being the fastest dog, capable of reaching a speed of 42.8 miles per hour. With heavily padded feet able to absorb the impact on its body, the Saluki has remarkable stamina when running.
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