By Jared Fields, Managing Editor
Two weeks ago, McMurry University decided to be a mascot-less university instead of picking a new one. The NCAA forced the school to drop ‘Indians’ as its mascot.
The decision means McMurry athletics teams will not have a native people or fuzzy animal to identify themselves with. Instead, the athletes will be referred to as “the McMurry football team” or whatever sport they are playing.
Our crosstown neighbors dropped the ball on this decision. They had the opportunity to pick a name. They had a chance to pick a mascot that would not only represent the university but strike fear in their opponents as well.
An animal mascot should not be considered. All of them are taken, and most are overused. A mascot representing a regional group like Indians or Cowboys falls under the same rules as the animals: too many and overused.
McMurry should change its mascot to the “Outlaws.”
There are at least 5 good reasons “Outlaws” would be the perfect mascot for McMurry.
5. Outlaws make great headlines in newspapers. “Outlaws rob Badgers of win. If they play a team named the Cowboys in a high scoring basketball game: Outlaws hold up Cowboys in shooting match.
4. Outlaws works for the men’s and women’s teams. What is a female outlaw? An outlaw. There’s no need for the annoying “Lady” in front. Besides, adding “Lady” in front of Outlaws just takes away from the effect of the name. “Lady Outlaws” doesn’t sound too scary. It works for both.
3. Fans will have their unique way to dress. Outlaws bring to mind pictures of rough looking bandits with bandanas covering their faces. So fans could show spirit by simply wearing a bandana over their faces. It eliminates the need for face paint and fat guys with no shirts on. Outlaws are usually fully clothed.
2. There is no one to get offended and make you change your name again. As far as I know, there are no true outlaws left.
1. Outlaws can do whatever they want. That’s why they’re outlaws.
From the evidence I have presented, there is no reason McMurry should not adopt “Outlaws” at its new mascot. It is clearly the best mascot ever, and after seeing the reasons, I am shocked there aren’t more “Outlaws” out there. Besides, who wants to be referred to as the “No-names?”
But if McMurry doesn’t want to pick up this great mascot, then I will be ready for the next mascot-naming contest. I won’t let the great outlaws of the past be forgotten.
Long live the Outlaws.
