My undergrad university is in the process of choosing a new mascot, and it’s going all wrong.

Our current mascot is the Crusaders and I support the decision to dump the moniker (it’s fine if you don’t, not here to have that debate).  The community was asked to provide nominees that had a connection to the school, its mission and/or the surrounding area.

A committee whittled them down to five semifinalists and asked us to rank them.  I did so like this:

1. River Otters
2. Bobcats
3. River Hawks
4. Explorers
5. Phoenix

If the voting system allowed, I would have voted for River Otters at least four times and left the last one off completely.  Now I fear we’re going to end up with Phoenix as the winner.  Last week we got the updated list of three finalists and somehow Phoenix made the cut along with Bobcats and River Hawks.

That dealt a major blow to my enthusiasm for the process.  I mean, what would have been more majestic than this?

Look at that thing.  For special events he can wear a hat too, maybe some cool shoes or a jacket.  What more could you want in a mascot?

Instead we have a two-thirds chance of getting a far less cuddly bird.  Hopefully wise minds will make the right choice and give us a badass bobcat.  Hopefully equally wise minds will not steal the lion roar noise they play at Penn State football games.