May I ask why he is wearing a monocle and a top hat like mr. peanut lol
The mascot debate/fandom thread
band camp
- STL City
I asked AI for some ideas using Mr. Red Grange as an example.
Here are the results. #3 is interesting to me.
1. The Galloping Ghost: This mascot would pay homage to Red Grange's nickname and his incredible speed and agility on the football field. The Galloping Ghost mascot could be depicted as a spirited ghost wearing an Illinois football jersey, running with a football in hand. This mascot would capture the excitement and energy that Grange brought to the game.
2. The Illini Ironman: Another option could be a mascot inspired by Grange's toughness and durability. Known for his ability to play through injuries and his physical style of play, Grange was often referred to as an "ironman." The Illini Ironman mascot could be portrayed as a muscular figure wearing Illinois football gear, showcasing strength and resilience.
3. The Flying Illini: Red Grange's ability to make acrobatic leaps and high-flying plays on the field could inspire a mascot that embodies this aerial prowess. The Flying Illini mascot could be depicted as a soaring figure with wings, wearing an Illinois jersey. This mascot would symbolize the team's ability to reach new heights and achieve greatness.
These are just a few ideas for mascots that could be inspired by Red Grange at the University of Illinois. Ultimately, the choice of a mascot would depend on various factors such as fan preferences, design considerations, and university approval.
Here are the results. #3 is interesting to me.
1. The Galloping Ghost: This mascot would pay homage to Red Grange's nickname and his incredible speed and agility on the football field. The Galloping Ghost mascot could be depicted as a spirited ghost wearing an Illinois football jersey, running with a football in hand. This mascot would capture the excitement and energy that Grange brought to the game.
2. The Illini Ironman: Another option could be a mascot inspired by Grange's toughness and durability. Known for his ability to play through injuries and his physical style of play, Grange was often referred to as an "ironman." The Illini Ironman mascot could be portrayed as a muscular figure wearing Illinois football gear, showcasing strength and resilience.
3. The Flying Illini: Red Grange's ability to make acrobatic leaps and high-flying plays on the field could inspire a mascot that embodies this aerial prowess. The Flying Illini mascot could be depicted as a soaring figure with wings, wearing an Illinois jersey. This mascot would symbolize the team's ability to reach new heights and achieve greatness.
These are just a few ideas for mascots that could be inspired by Red Grange at the University of Illinois. Ultimately, the choice of a mascot would depend on various factors such as fan preferences, design considerations, and university approval.
I vote for the Galloping Ghost, with a ghost costume with an orange and blue robe, maybe some type of face mask. Importantly, the ghost rides a horse! Before games the ghost could take the horse around tailgating.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
My guess is because it's both funny and distinguished. Much better than just a plain old Block I with arms and legs.
(says the guy who likes it enough to make it his avatar pic)
SuperMetroid
- Evanston
1. Me, no. But it's not for me. It's for my kids who like going to Chicago Dogs games and seeing Mustard and Ketchup walking around the park or getting a selfie with Southpaw - aka future fans of the team.
2. Again, make more young fans now, get more attendance down the road
3. It's not going to be the cornerstone of recruiting, but no reason it can't be part of the overall package like Brutus or Sparty
4. Our mascot - whatever it ends up being - goofing around with the Ohio St. Alabama, Oregon, PSU mascots in commercials? Lee Corso or whoever follows him putting on our mascot head to predict a big win on Gameday? It can't hurt
Pick something fun, make a good costume, introduce it and market it in an entertaining way (which I think our media team is fully capable of) and there's no reason why it couldn't.
Who is Michigan's mascot again?
He also should have a goatee, but I forgot to add it. Anyway, he is sophisticated, but yet mischievous. He can be kind, but also cunning. He can lead the band and stare down Fran. He is Blocky the I.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
A galloping ghost makes too much sense, they’ll never go for it.
I mean, it’s just so perfect. I can already see him taking down that abomination mascot from Purdue.
Blocky has my vote
so the school is asking the students about a mascot? 90% who don't go to the games or care about the teams, 20% of which are
from other countries and also don't care. oh, that's cute,,,i vote for it or, my dad doesn't like it so i vote for that. this is a question
for active alumni and fans who buy merch and attend games.
from other countries and also don't care. oh, that's cute,,,i vote for it or, my dad doesn't like it so i vote for that. this is a question
for active alumni and fans who buy merch and attend games.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Big yikes.
I know! We could have so much fun with this near Halloween.
Saw this and couldn’t resist.
Thing is, mascots are universally associated in some way with the team name. I really can't think of a mascot that doesn't reflect that: bulldogs, badgers, even a nut. I guess Stanford is the only one that comes to mind, trees. How long do we think it would take for a bird to be associated with Fighting Illini?1. Me, no. But it's not for me. It's for my kids who like going to Chicago Dogs games and seeing Mustard and Ketchup walking around the park or getting a selfie with Southpaw - aka future fans of the team.
2. Again, make more young fans now, get more attendance down the road
3. It's not going to be the cornerstone of recruiting, but no reason it can't be part of the overall package like Brutus or Sparty
4. Our mascot - whatever it ends up being - goofing around with the Ohio St. Alabama, Oregon, PSU mascots in commercials? Lee Corso or whoever follows him putting on our mascot head to predict a big win on Gameday? It can't hurt
Pick something fun, make a good costume, introduce it and market it in an entertaining way (which I think our media team is fully capable of) and there's no reason why it couldn't.
We really don't need a mascot. And whether you (not you specifically) don't like the semantics of symbol vs mascot, the Chief was never one to goof around with a nut, an elephant, or whatever.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Pete from Purdue?
I mean, I don't think of him when I hear "Boilermaker." (I think of the drink, but that's a different conversation.) It could work if don't correctly.
I just don't think the kingfisher is it. I'd rather have a doughboy.
(And axe Alma Otter too while we're at it.)
SuperMetroid
- Evanston
It's not the norm, but these guys beg to differ:
We have a team name that is non-specific enough that you could pretty much use anything as a mascot. Put a bird (or otter or Gritty-esque wildcard) in a U of I uniform and that's all you really need. Move on. Make a new, fun tradition. Chief is gone and thankfully not coming back.
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
Can I join team "Blocky the I"? A little flair to the wardrobe and it is just looney enough to be obvious satire, while being the most slap you over the head obvious representation of the university.
It amuses me, but not in a mocking kind of way. Let's do it.
It amuses me, but not in a mocking kind of way. Let's do it.
Start the movement.
I have yet to hear a good argument for having a mascot. The Chief was a symbol that was respected. When I was a child, we were taught to stand, clap along and sing along. If we didn't, we faced the consequences. That is the real issue IMO. Entitled parents teach entitled children that they can do whatever they want. What would be the point of putting an Illinois shirt on some random creature? How is that fun? Mascots are childish and pointless. Chief was a symbol to be respected and cannot even be compared to a mascot.It's not the norm, but these guys beg to differ:
We have a team name that is non-specific enough that you could pretty much use anything as a mascot. Put a bird (or otter or Gritty-esque wildcard) in a U of I uniform and that's all you really need. Move on. Make a new, fun tradition. Chief is gone and thankfully not coming back.
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
"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")"
This is fun, thanks @mattcoldagelli!