Herky has been a staple with the University of Iowa for over 70 years. To some people, Herky the Hawk is simply known as the mascot at the University of Iowa. Here in Iowa, we know that he's much more than that. He's more than just a mascot for a college that's in the middle of the country. Herky has transcended over the years into becoming a mascot for the entire state of Iowa.

There's a reason Iowa is sometimes referred to as "The Hawkeye State." What if there was a world where the University of Iowa mascot wasn't a bird of prey with sharp talons and a hooked-shaped beak? While Herky belongs in Iowa and is considered one of the best mascots in the entire country...what if the University of Iowa had a mascot that looked more like one of these "Hawkeyes."

Which would you want them to switch to if you had to make the choice?

Other Hawkeyes

Hawkeye Pierce - What if the University of Iowa named itself after one of the greatest fictional characters of all time? Hawkeye Pierce was a doctor on the classic TV show, M.A.S.H. Instead of a Hawk type of costume, the University of Iowa mascot could've been a war surgeon with a fantastic sense of humor! Hawkeye Pierce was liked by everyone, saved lives, and always had a fantastic way to make people laugh/roll their eyes.

Superhero Hawkeye - If you're looking to go more of the traditional team mascot route, it would be tough to argue against choosing a Superhero. Clint Barton aka Hawkeye is from the Cedar Valley! Not only is he one of the most interesting superheroes in the Marvel universe, Iowa is his home state. His superhuman eyesight is one of the reasons he's become a master of archery.

Goal Line Technology AKA Hawk-Eye

Did you know there is a technology used in various sports around the world called "Hawk-Eye." This technology has changed how sports are officiated and are used to improve games and to help refs/judges get the correct calls. This technology is used to track ball movement and helps determine whether it crossed a goal line or endline.

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While this technology is impressive and is used in sports around the world...these cameras probably don't give off the intimidating factor the University of Iowa is looking for in a mascot.

E-2 Hawkeye

This would most definitely be an intimidating mascot for oposing teams. the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is the Navy's "all weather carrier, tactical battle management, airborne early warning, command and control aircraft." The name itself would be intimidating for opposing teams to try and figure out...

In all seriousness, Herky the Hawk and the name Hawkeye fits so perfectly with the state of Iowa. I'm not sure if I've just grown so used to it in my 33 years of life but it's just hard to picture the state of Iowa and the University of Iowa without it's beloved bird. Did you know Herky attends 500 hours of events every year, according to Hawkeye Sports?

Herky isn't going anywhere, anytime soon but the thought of having a comedic surgeon as a mascot does make me LOL a bit when thinking about it.

What other "Hawkeyes" can you think of that we missed? Let us know in the comments.