W&M mascot ideas: Phoenix, asparagus

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., June 22 (UPI) -- Officials at Virginia's College of William and Mary say the 375 submissions for a new school mascot include a mythical phoenix, a wren and a stalk of asparagus.

Members of the committee charged with whittling the dozens of ideas down to a single mascot said no ideas are being ruled out,

"It's been fun," selection committee member Susan Evans said. "We have a lot of great options to consider."

Among those options are a Fresian horse, a favorite of the historical William and Mary, and a character that combines alums Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Monday.

The Tribe's previous mascot, a green blob named Colonel Ebirt, was retired in 2005.