Origin of Water Rats mascot name & cartoon rat: Stefan Nickodem was an NVSL RFD swimmer and coach, who renamed the swim team in 1977. The purpose was to rebrand the team to make it more exciting, unique, and fun. RFD’s mascot was the Stingrays; RFD Stingrays doesn’t have the same ring to it! Team members at the time were ready for a change, and Stefan hired Mark Lewis from Fairfax pool as head coach, who brought an upbeat and quirky “Texas style,” which quickly electrified the team. As part of the revitalization of the team, Stefan and Mark suggested the Water Rat mascot that Fairfax pool rejected previously. The RFD teams overwhelmingly approved of and implemented the Water Rats mascot in 1977. The mascot change and team revitilization led to a 5-0 undefeated season the following year, division and relay carnival champions the next three out of four years, AND the first time RFD was in Division 1! Stefan and Mark discovered the cartoon rat that adorns our t-shirts, caps, and team swag in Fair City Mall. The original rat was an iron-on emblem at a local store. Stefan made two prototype shirts (shown below), and the rest is history.
