What Exactly is Stanhope State?

The Official Seal of Stanhope State University.

Alright, the countdown continues... We have been getting a few emails asking what exactly is Stanhope State University. And what the heck is a Watermelon Warrior?

First, let’s tackle the Stanhope State thing…

The idea of Stanhope State University is a product of an old high school art assignment. It’s basically a spoof of the famous University of Okoboji t-shirts and sweatshirts created by the 3 Sons Shop up in Milford, IA.

From its origins of a sketch book drawing, Stanhope State University has evolved, mostly with only a few people knowing exactly what it is. We can report that Stanhope State is a very dominant team on NCAA Football for Playstation 2, a storied history of 9 national championships and 7 Heisman Trophy winners.

Later a Board of Governors was formed of 5 guys who hail from southern Hamilton County (all with some sort of Stanhope family ties) that live in the Des Moines Metro Area who meet a couple times a month… to discuss important issues of the day… um, basically a bunch of old friends stopping at a watering hole to catch the game of the week. But we can report important issues were discussed and fun had by all.

Then this nearly world famous central Iowa blog was created (snicker) as a “just for fun and hobby blog” to find cool articles about stuff going on back home. This blog has evolved into this online shrine to small towns.

So that’s the basic run down on what this crazy fictional university. But we are extremely excited to organize the first Stanhope State University All County Softball Tournament. Our hope is to have fun, start new traditions and get more people to check out the most awesome small town festival ever… Stanhope Watermelon Day.

The Original Version of the Watermelon Warrior Mascot

What is a Watermelon Warrior?

The Watermelon Warrior is the official mascot of Stanhope State University. According to legend, the Warrior is the great protector of those ice cold slices of watermelon served in the afternoon on Watermelon Day. Although never photographed, historians have attempted to produce a sketch of this mysterious fellow.

The Warrior has a shaved Mohawk and cut off sleeves, because it gets pretty warm at Watermelon Day. When protecting the stash of slices the Warrior usually only needs fists for protection, but he carries a lead pipe just in case things get out of hand. He always has his cleats on to be ready for a good game on the diamond, because Stanhope kids are known to be pretty darn good athletes.

So that’s a brief description of that exactly a Watermelon Warrior is. If you happen to catch a picture of the Warrior at the 50th Watermelon Day, please forward it on to share… though like we have said, the Watermelon Warrior has never been photographed.

The Current/Modern Version of the Watermelon Warrior Mascot.

Happy hunting and check back tomorrow as the countdown to the 50th Watermelon Day continues!