SIU is located in what used to be called and still called by elders in Little Egypt. Something about the location way back when. A Saluki was the "Royal Dog of Egypt"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki

Prior to that, they were the SIU Maroons. Clearly a step up the mascot ladder...

Yo, I showed my buddies last night while watching the game, they loved the Lowery avatar.....So huge....I am praying that he doesn't go somewhere else, but I think he is destin for Michigan