Today I Learned: Bizarre high school mascots

“Chicago's WGN-TV ran a Today I Learned segment this morning on the strangest high school mascots in America.” — Hank Ledger, on air

On air: Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock on BBN This Morning
Published 8:35 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by WGN-TV: “Today I Learned: Bizarre high school mascots - WGN-TV”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 8:35 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Hank Ledger and Vera Bullock.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorChicago's WGN-TV ran a Today I Learned segment this morning on the strangest high school mascots in America.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI love this.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA mascot is supposed to scare the other team, so schools pick the most intimidating thing they can think of, and sometimes that's a vegetable.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA vegetable.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorFear takes many forms, Hank. And somewhere a sophomore is inside a foam carrot in August, which is bravery nobody applauds.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the carrot is the victim here, and the other team is just there to lose to it.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorMy own school mascot was a legume, and we were very proud.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDid the legume win?