By the way, what I find most interesting in this image is that fact that you caught the audience in a moment of disinterest. They are all out of focus in the background, so the gopher gets the attention of the viewer. But his enthusiasm seems to set the tone for the image. I like it.
Here is what a source (that I would be ashamed to name) says on that subject: The Gopher mascot is a tradition as old as the state. Minnesota was tabbed the “Gopher State” in 1857 after a satirizing cartoon, depicting nine gophers with the heads of local politicians pulling a locomotive, was published. The story was over legislative action for a $5 million railroad proposal in western Minnesota. Later, the University picked up the nickname. The “Golden” adjective has not always been a part of the Gopher nickname. During the 1930s, the Gophers wore gold jerseys and pants. Legendary KSTP radio announcer Halsey Hall coined the term “Golden Gophers” in reference to the team’s all-gold attire on the field.
No doubt there is a story behind the origin of the Golden Gophers as the school mascot as there is a story behind the Jayhawk at KU. I just don't remember the KU story either but it seems like the Quantril Raiders had something to do with it. Paul