The name SCOOPER was derived from the nickname given to Sturgis by the cavalrymen stationed at Fort Meade in the late 1800's.  Cavalrymen, who claimed they were "scooped" every payday by the merchants of Sturgis, began to refer to Sturgis as "Scooptown".  Merchants didn't mind the nickname.  They claimed that the cavalrymen spent so much money in Sturgis that it could be "scooped" from the streets!

"Scoopers" was later adopted by Sturgis High School as its official team name and in 1987, Scooper Sam became the official mascot.