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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Nothing is better than a bird or an otter. Guess you can put me in the Chief or nothing group.
 
#10      

splitter

splitter
and not Nebraska
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
#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")
Click to expand...
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
 
#18      

1970 John

1970 John
1970 John
splitter said:
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.
Click to expand...
You’ll notice that Bielema has ditched the shield, and rather emphatically.
 
#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.
Click to expand...
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.

1691516061187.png

1691516158198.jpeg