The Idaho Vandals is the intercollegiate athletic teams representing the University of Idaho, located in Moscow, Idaho. The mascot of the Idaho Vandals is Joe Vandal, who is a man with a thick beard and a crown, and he is the only Vandal mascot out there. The name Vandals began nearly 100 years ago because of the defensive style of the basketball team. In 1917, basketball coach Hec Edmunsons squad "vandalized" their opponents on defense, according to several sports writers. Several years later, Vandals was the official nickname of Idaho. The current mascot, Joe Vandal, was born on September 22, 1956, and he is outgoing, friendly, active, fun-loving, and lovable, but mischievous at every opportunity. Joe is immensely proud to be who he is — a Vandal — and proud to represent his beloved university.