Arkansas State University has decided to change the mascot from the Indians to the unknown at this time. According to Jim Pickens, Committee Chairman of the Mascot Review Committee, the decision was reached because Committee members did not want to “run into the ramifications, complications, and sanctions of the NCAA” because of a new rule requiring the use of a Native American theme in postseason play.
After this decision was made, ASU opened itself to suggestions on a new mascot with a notification at midnight on October 31. According to Chancellor R. Potts, the Committee received over 400 suggestions.
Some of these suggestions are kept “Red” as a permanent three. Also Pine Cones, Fightin’ Farmers, Stallions, Red Wolves, and Catfish. Some of these names will not work because, ASU plans to keep the color scheme red, black and white.
Beginning yesterday, November 2007, nine constituent groups will review the suggestions and each group will select 8 to 12 favorites. Once these groups have decided, they will present a list of Mascot Selection to the Steering Committee.
According to Pickins, the change will cost the university between $250,000 and $500,000. He says the first new third season will be in 2008. Until now, ASU has used “Red” as a temporary three.
The first of the committees agreed last evening which of the suggestions to send to the Mascot Selection Steering Committee (MSSC). Adam Saulsbury, a member of the commission, says there are some crazy suggestions on the list. Two of these were Fighting Armadillos and Mojos. The committee finally decided to send 6 suggestions with the MSSC. These were Red Wolves, who were very popular, Thunderbirds, Blackhawks, Red Devils, Hellbenders and Diamondbacks.
Although the school decided to change the three, not everyone is happy with this decision. Randi Romo, co-founder of the Center for the Arts Revolution, said “this didn’t happen because of the economy, it happened because of the economy.” She stated that she does not feel that “the heart of the school is in the right place” but states that she is “happy with the overall plan.” She further stated that “they change the anxiety and depression that they have through games.”
Regardless of the reason for the change, the students at the school students seem to be happy that the public accident happened. to help decide what the new school should use.
