Griffins

Griffins [grif·fins] n.   1. mythological beasts proposed as a new mascot after the removal of the Stanford Indian (circa 1972).   2. a pair of antique winged lion¹ statues which now guard the Stanford Mausoleum that were at one time used as a rallying point to whip up enthusiasm for said mascot choice.

---

¹There is some debate as to whether these statues are actual griffins (a composite beast) or merely lions with wings. [See Stanford magazine September 2018, "The Pride of Stanford Returns," pg. 16.]