The mascot debate/fandom thread

#2      

Oskeefan

O
Virginia Beach, VA
Oskeefan
#3      

CMC

C
CMC
TentakilRex said:
I am not on team Alma Otter, but maybe it wasn't as silly as portrayed....lol

www.news-gazette.com

'Alma Otter,' 'Champ' lending traction to push for UI mascot

Illinois Student Government voted this week to place a nonbinding question on next week's ballot asking if the furry animal should be the official symbol, while business student Mike Skibski
www.news-gazette.com www.news-gazette.com
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I prefer the Kingfisher, but can get on board with the otter. IMO we need a mascot of some kind.
 
#5      

CMC

C
CMC
TampaToo said:
We’ve never had a mascot. Why the need for one now?
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Need may not be the right word. However, I have been to games of other schools and everyone loves a mascot. Kids love taking pictures, etc... I think it brings something to the experience. Go to a Georgia game or an Alabama game - even adults love a mascot.

The only reason we don't have one is the Chief or nothing crowd. I get it. I was a long time supporter of the Chief, but it is time to move on.
 
#6      

TampaToo

T
TampaToo
CMC said:
Need may not be the right word. However, I have been to games of other schools and everyone loves a mascot. Kids love taking pictures, etc... I think it brings something to the experience. Go to a Georgia game or an Alabama game - even adults love a mascot.

The only reason we don't have one is the Chief or nothing crowd. I get it. I was a long time supporter of the Chief, but it is time to move on.
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So you’re saying if we get a mascot we’ll be just like Alabama or Georgia? Well heck I’m all for one now! /s
 
#7      

CMC

C
CMC
TampaToo said:
So you’re saying if we get a mascot we’ll be just like Alabama or Georgia? Well heck I’m all for one now! /s
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Clearly, I wasn't saying that.
Conan Obrien Ugh GIF by Team Coco
 
#8      

3 point girl

3
texas
3 point girl
CMC said:
Need may not be the right word. However, I have been to games of other schools and everyone loves a mascot. Kids love taking pictures, etc... I think it brings something to the experience. Go to a Georgia game or an Alabama game - even adults love a mascot.

The only reason we don't have one is the Chief or nothing crowd. I get it. I was a long time supporter of the Chief, but it is time to move on.
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Nothing is better than a bird or an otter. Guess you can put me in the Chief or nothing group.
 
#10      

splitter

splitter
splitter
CMC said:
Need may not be the right word. However, I have been to games of other schools and everyone loves a mascot. Kids love taking pictures, etc... I think it brings something to the experience. Go to a Georgia game or an Alabama game - even adults love a mascot.

The only reason we don't have one is the Chief or nothing crowd. I get it. I was a long time supporter of the Chief, but it is time to move on.
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I have moved on. The Chief is the mascot, just been forced into retirement. As long as the U of I are the Fighting Illini, only the WWI soldier suggestion has moved me. The shield has kind of grown for me, but the Block I on it must be changed to orange.
 
#11      

Frank

Frank
Frank
TheDrinkinLincoln said:
WWI Doughboy with Orange and Blue uniform is the only worthwhile Fighting Illini mascot. That or nothing.
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I think the guy in your profile picture should be our mascot. No explanation needed. Illinois. Widely beloved. Massive top hat. ✅✅✅
 
#12      

AutoPoster 3000

AutoPoster 3000
AutoPoster 3000
Every time I read one of these posts that says “If the symbol of the university cannot be a caricature of a Native American, then the only alternative I’d accept is a World War I soldier” I think of this Onion article.

www.theonion.com

Late-Blooming Dad Just Now Getting Into Civil War History

BETHESDA, MD—Admitting they had begun to think it might never happen, the family of local 57-year-old Doug Reeves told reporters Wednesday the late-blooming dad is just now getting into American Civil War history.
www.theonion.com www.theonion.com

Look, I’m a middle-aged dad with lower back problems who collects mechanical wristwatches, so I get the “doughboys are cool” sentiment, but people like us aren’t going to be making these decisions. There’s a better chance of convincing the administration and the student government to adopt a bitchin’ 69’ Camaro as our new mascot than there is a guy in a helmet carrying a rifle.
 
#16      

TampaToo

T
TampaToo
mattcoldagelli said:
Alma Otter definitely an upgrade over our current mascot (a middle-aged Central Illinoisan who repeatedly says "ACTUALLY the Chief was a symbol, not a mascot")
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Hey, you talking to me? :) Seriously, I have let go of the whole Chief thing many moons ago, but I do not see a need/want for a mascot. Bring all the variations of mascots to Grange Grove to entertain the little kiddies all they want, but leave them outside the stadium. JMO
 
#23      

CHEEF

CHEEF
CHEEF
ironhand said:
I like the Kingfisher. Beautiful birds and found all along the Amazon. It is time to move on and join the schools with fun mascots.
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No resemblance to Illinois school history so I can’t support it. Most of the fan base doesn’t support it. If you’re going to pick up a mascot, it needs to tie into school history. “Champ” is the best proposal so far.

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