Despite extensive, but unsuccessful research regarding the true origins of the Brookland-Cayce High School nickname, here are some facts on BCHS and the Bearcats:
(1) The communities of Brookland (now West Columbia) and Cayce opened a new high school between the hub of the two cities in 1932. The Cayce business center was 1 mile away on Frink Street, while the Brookland (not Brooklyn) center was 1 mile away on Meeting Street. The school site selected was on the connecting street, State Street, and is the mid-point of the two old communities. In keeping with the BC moniker, it is believed the students selected BearCats as the nickname, hence the current Bearcats.
(2)
What is a bearcat?? Interesting read.
(3) Also, there are several high schools and colleges throughout the nation that use the Bearcat nickname. In fact,
Lander University in Greenwood, SC just changed their name from the Senators to the Bearcats last year. Of course, the
University of Cincinnati has the most well-known Bearcats motif, but
Binghamton University in New York gets my vote for the best logo!