Why does North Carolina root for Demons & Devils ?

[LiptonGuy]

Originally Posted by mm34b

Why a Blue Devil?
The Story of the Duke Mascot

Why a Blue Devil

Thanks for providing this link.

I can see why you have already accumulated an impressive 1,300+ positive clicks (from other users).

You are a credit to City-Data

[mountain_time_Blues]

Mooresville Highschool are the Bluedevils.

[Sleestak]

Originally Posted by LiptonGuy

Does anybody know why North Carolina has 2 NCAA teams, with the names Devils and Demons ?

Well, you could name one of the teams: the "Saints" , but then you'd end up with four decades of losing seasons.

I'm kidding, of course... sort of. I do have to give the Saints some credit for the 2006 season, they really started to turn things around. Hopefully, they'll continue improving...

(Disclaimer: This post is purely for entertainment purposes and in no way should be construed as a source of factual information. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Not available in New Jersey. Sleestak is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cha-Ka Enterprises, Tm.)

[Niki]

Isn't there a team in Arizona called the Sun Devils? Just curious.

I myself pull for the Tarheels because they're more closely related to what NC is. The Tarheel state.

[anonymous]

Wikipedia is useful for this sort of thing.

In 1923, the Wake Forest football team defeated rival Trinity (later renamed Duke University). In the following issue of the school newspaper, the editor of the paper, Mayon Parker (1924 Wake Forest graduate), first referred to the team as "Demon Deacons," in recognition of what he called their "devilish" play and fighting spirit. Henry Belk, Wake Forest's news director, and Garrity liked the title and used it often, so the popularity of the term grew.

Originally Posted by LiptonGuy

Most college teams have wholesome American names like: Wolverines, Warriors, Buckeyes, Rockets, Longhorns, Spartans, Sooners, Lions, Volunteers, Runnin Rebels, Gophers, Badgers, Sycamores, Gators, Jayhawks, Cardinals, Tigers, etc.

I can't say I would describe those as wholesome and American.

[X-Greensboro Resident]

I only root for the Tar Heels, you'd never catch me rooting for any kind of "Devils" hint...hint...

[PamelaCmi]

Originally Posted by LiptonGuy

Does anybody know why North Carolina has 2 NCAA teams, with the names Devils and Demons ?

Duke Blue Devils & Wake Forest Demon Deacons

How did 2 college programs in the same state, happen to come up with such dubious names ? Is there a story to this, or is it mere coincidence ?

Most college teams have wholesome American names like: Wolverines, Warriors, Buckeyes, Rockets, Longhorns, Spartans, Sooners, Lions, Volunteers, Runnin Rebels, Gophers, Badgers, Sycamores, Gators, Jayhawks, Cardinals, Tigers, etc.

This is a sports-related question, but it is specific to the state of North Carolina. That's why I didn't posted this question in the sports section.

Is there some sort of folklore or story, that answers this question ?

Pardone me, but, the Salem Witch trials have been long over. We have Halloween as a holliday in the USA, yet you didn't ask why? Well, folklore is prevelant in any state, and city. Why pick on we North Carolinian's for a witch hunt? It's just a hobb gobblin. Just a commercial in reality. Pamela