10. Watching games won't cost you a cent. You may need to take out a loan to attend a Yankees game, but you can cheer on your classmates for free at fields across Tufts' Medford/Somerville campus.
9. We have some interesting venues. While the baseball field — with close to 25 unnecessary yards of foul territory in left field and a commuter rail in right field — is a bit out of the ordinary, nothing can top Cousens Gymnasium, with locker rooms four stories above the arena floor.
8. Our athletes are just like every other student on campus. While former University of Florida star Tim Tebow may have spent his four years on campus driving around in a golf cart, our athletes are much more accessible. Don't be surprised if last night's overtime hero ends up in the seat next to you in your early-morning class the next day.
7. We lack a true rival. While we do have rivalries with other NESCAC squads in individual sports, the truth is that no one is willing to compete with the Jumbos across the board.
6. We play in the NESCAC, the conference of strange mascots. If you think Tufts has an interesting mascot, just wait until the Jumbos play a team within the New England Small College Athletic Conference. When you are facing purple cows, Lord Jeffs and poultry, you will be happier than ever that you are a giant elephant.
5. We have a storied sports history. Tufts participated in the first-ever College World Series in Omaha, Neb., in 1950, back before colleges were split up by divisions. The university also earned a bid to March Madness in 1945, which is a fun fact to drop on any Northwestern friends you may have.
4. We excel in club sports, too. Just ask the water polo squad, which took first at nationals last fall, if they care about not being a "varsity" sport.
3. Our mascot resides in a peanut butter jar. After the hall containing Jumbo burned down years ago, Tufts employees put his ashes in a recycled peanut butter jar, which athletes now rub for good luck. Just remember, if you are ever looking for a midnight snack, avoid all peanut butter jars in the athletics department.
2. We have one of the best coaching staffs in all of Div. III athletics. From Carla Berube, who was part of the undefeated 1995 University of Connecticut women's basketball team, to men's soccer's Josh Shapiro, who joins the Jumbos after three years with the Georgetown Hoyas, Tufts has assembled one of the strongest, most experienced groups of coaches anywhere in the country.
1. The curse is over. On May 30, the men's lacrosse team defeated Salisbury 9-6, ending a team NCAA championship drought that was 55 years longer than that of the Chicago Cubs. With the first one out of the way, the Jumbos will be looking for more this year.
