Archive for November, 2008
We’re out of the Gates with Murray State
This is it! It’s the launch of the podcast and I can’t think of a better interview to start with. Dunker was one of the first interviews after the idea materialized into my grey matter. I was green (still am in many podcast/blogosphere ways and Danny McCuiston was patient in explaining the ways of a mascot.
I hope you enjoy and come back to hear more every other week!
Hendrix names a new Warrior
http://www.hendrix.edu/athletics/news.aspx?id=36534
As with other scrapped mascots, Hendrix College moved away from the native American image and recently unleashed a new vision of their mascot. In the spirit/contest of “name the mascot”, the man is Ivan, named after their legendary coach and administrator Ivan Grove.
We said goodbye to Gunston, now it’s hello to Ivan!
Students for Chief Illiniwek
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-talk-illiniweknov12,0,5703258.story
Since I moved to Chicago in 1985, I couldn’t understand the passion and heated discussions with University of Illinois and Chief Illiniwek and his traditional dance.
Recently in college sports, we’ve seen many colleges evolve and change mascots, moving from native American representation to a warrior or a different mascot character altogether. University of Illinois in particular seems to want to keep the tradition going. So, after 2 years of being away, Chief Illiniwek will be dancing and rallying the fans for the Ohio State football game in Assembly Hall.
Goodbye Dear Gunston!
The Washington Post has reported that George Mason’s Gunston is going away. I guess I will try to get an interview with the last Oscar the Grouch-like sports character. This is a sad day for Stories Behind the Fur because Gunston was on my list of interview requests, motivated by making the 25 worst NCAA Division I Mascots lists. I guess a green representative for a Patriot isn’t a great branding tool and the school has already taken down pics of the beloved mascot on part of the athletics site….Oh where is the love and sympathy!
London Olympics Search for a Mascot
- Go Olympic Creatures!
Recently London Olympics 2012 announced a contest for creature designers.
Digital Arts online has a link to the actual contest, along with a more in depth article…
http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=11651
and not to be left out of this historic mascot news BBC also posted an article going into a little mascot history as well as the great white hope that the right mascot will raise enough revenue to help foot some of the costs the UK will shell out to be ready for the summer games in 2012. This despite the fact that many English feel this is a waste of money in a horrible economy… Both articles talk of the branding potential in Olympic Themed Creatures.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7689052.stm
Vote for the Best High School Routine!
Dance baby! Dance!
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6082205.html
The Houston Chronicle has posted some video and asks that you vote for your favorite mascot dance. I would have never guessed what a Sting Ray costume would look like or that you could take a potentially fierce “Lobo” and really weaken the costume to non intimidation standards!
