Okay, by now everyone on campus knows that Longwood's new mascot is a horse. Thank goodness. That was the correct choice and I'm relieved the horse won over the other option which was, of course, the "Wood." Not to offend anyone on the Spirit Initiatives Committee, but the "Wood" was not going to work out. The horse mascot design was a much better option in terms of relating to the school's logo, name and history. The muscular design of the horse relates better to athletics as well. I think the "Wood" would have made us the laughing stock of every school that came to play at Longwood. Hey, I know I'm not pulling any punches by writing this, but it is the truth. According to a press release from Longwood Athletics, over 4,300 votes were cast back in May when voting for the mascot took place. The mascot was unveiled at a pre-game pep rally and again at halftime during The G.A.M.E. 2.0 on Aug. 21. The horse mascot was met with raucous applause and approval from the student body.
So, now that we actually have a tangible mascot complete with a costume, we have to come up with a name. Excuse the bad song reference, but this can't be "a horse with no name." Anybody? Oh well. I was going for the band America reference, but anyway, I personally have no idea what the heck to call it. It has to be cool, of course. I think it also has to be something masculine-sounding, given the horse's brawny appearance. So, all of you ladies out there who want to call it something cutesy please refrain from that. How about "War Admiral" after the race horse? Or "War Horse?" Is "Crazy Horse" appropriate? That may work well with the Lancer Lunatics. I think we're getting somewhere. Maybe? Please, God, someone help me. My mind hurts thinking about this name business.
If you have a name you think is appropriate and sounds better than my ideas, here's what to do: 1) Submit your name suggestions via email to spirit@longwood.edu 2) The Spirit Initiatives Committee will select three names to be voted on. 3) The new mascot's name will be announced during Rock the Block festivities on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Longwood Landings.
By all means, Longwood, put on your thinking caps and make this good. I have all the confidence in the whole wide world of sports that you will submit some good suggestions.
There is also some exciting news apart from the mascot. A new fight song is still in the works and is scheduled to be introduced later during the fall semester. A new fight song coupled with the mascot should make attending games this year much more exciting and interactive.
Oh, I almost forgot. Once the mascot is given a name, there will be a personalized jersey made for it to wear. Right now, the mascot is #41. Its new number will be #39 after the year Longwood was founded (1839). That's a nice tie-in with school history.
"The big thing is how the mascot is received," said Athletics Director Troy Austin. "I think it was a great release. Everybody involved with the process did a great job and took in a lot of input from the Longwood community to get something we all liked."
Come on, LU. Let's get this bronco a name. This is one of the most important things in terms of school spirit to happen in a long time. Just as a joke, whatever this horse is called, be thankful that we don't have a donkey as our mascot. That would really open Pandora's Box as far as names are concerned. I think you catch my drift.
