Calkins: Elegy for TOM III, the last real Memphis Tiger
University of Memphis mascot TOM III, seen here in September 2019, is to be the last of his kind. There will be no TOM IV. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)
Geoff Calkins
Geoff Calkins has been chronicling Memphis and Memphis sports for more than two decades. He is host of "The Geoff Calkins Show" from 9-11 a.m. M-F on 92.9 FM. Calkins has been named the best sports columnist in the country five times by the Associated Press sports editors, but still figures his best columns are about the people who make Memphis what it is.
The University of Memphis said the tradition of having a live tiger at games “has come to an end.” It seems like the right decision, but it’s still a sad moment for Memphians.
Topics
TOM III Memphis Tigers Live mascot college football Scott Forman Memphis Zoo Subscriber Only2025 is almost over. Now is the time to support your trusted local news source.
Will you help us reach more Memphians with quality, in-depth local news? Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization, today.
Thank you for keeping up with what’s happening in Memphis. Thank you for investing in our community’s trusted local news source.
Geoff Calkins on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Geoff Calkins' stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Related stories
Calkins: On a sweet, surreal night at the Liberty Bowl, Memphis opens its pandemic season with a win
The band was masked, the stadium was nearly empty of fans. But the Tigers won a football game at the Liberty Bowl Saturday night. For now, that will have to do.
Zoo friends honor beloved elephant
Zoo visitors are paying tribute to beloved elephant Tyranza, and Memphis Zoo officials believe other members of the herd are also mourning their 56-year-old matriarch.
University of Memphis mascot TOM III dies
The U of M’s beloved Bengal tiger was 12 years old.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.