In Egypt, Salukis were accepted as the finest animals a family could possibly possess. Known for their speed and hunting skills, Salukis are the oldest pure-breed dogs in the world with records dating back to 3600 B.C.

The uniqueness of "Salukis" as a nickname for SIUC teams may never be understood completely.  For native southern Illinoisans who grew up with the understanding that the area is frequently referred to as "Egypt," there may be hope.  However, even many lifelong residents aren't all that aware of the logical acceptance of "Salukis" or the origin of "Egypt" when speaking of the southern one-third of the state.

In an attempt to explain "Egypt," author Baker Brownell in his The Other Illinois states:  "...Although the legend probably was invented after the fact, it is persistent. There was a drought in the northern counties (of Illinois) in the early 1800's...the wheat fields dried up, the streams died in their beds. But in southern Illinois rain fell and there were good crops, and from the north came people seeking corn and wheat as to Egypt of old. Thus, the name "Egypt."