We recommend using the Illinois Fighting Illini colors … Many ideas have been proposed to replace the old chief, but between the people who are pushing for the return of Illiniwek and the slow moving nature of the issue, nothing has really been able to stick. The university appears to be rolling out a new otter mascot, for some reason, cleverly named "Alma Otter." The time period during which the “Fighting Illini” nickname developed coincided with the use of Native American imagery, usually in a romantic style. The Fighting Illini mascot, Chief Illiniwek, first appeared in 1926 when the assistant director of bands at the school got the idea of having a Native American war dance performed at halftime of football games. We want to build our school spirit, and we want to make sure the entire student body can get behind (it),” he said. In 1989, there were less than 100 otters in the entire state of Illinois and their numbers were on the decline. It would be nonbinding, “more a straw poll than anything,” he said. The color codes: RGB, CYMK for print, Hex for web and the Pantone colors can be seen below. Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather. University of Illinois senior Spencer Hulsey's design for a new mascot: the appropriately orange-and-blue-colored belted kingfisher, which is native to Illinois. “When we do get a symbol or mascot, that’s probably how it will start.”. Illinois Fighting Illini Primary Logos History. 1947 - 1956 1989 - 2003 2004 - 2013 2014 - Pres Illinois is describing its future mascot as the school's first, preferring to call Chief Illiniwek a symbol. Not everyone liked it. However, as the result of incredibly hard work done by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to reintroduce them to the state, there are now otters in every single county in Illinois. Alma Otter represents just the tip of the iceberg. However, a recent proposal that has gone viral may finally fill the vacant position. But the school wants to select a mascot to be on the sideline and at events… This push has led to the Otter becoming a miniature viral sensation, as it now has its own Change.org petition and Facebook page. Or call a local restaurant the “Otter Side” (so when you make reservations, someone can ask “Why did you cross the road?” and you can say “To get to the Otter Side!”). The Champ definitely fits the Fighting Illini really well,” she said. You have permission to edit this article. The Chief appeared at a variety of Illinois sporting events and wore Native American garb and a headdress with f… #Illini | … Beyond the history of otters in this great state, the pun opportunity is also too enormous to pass up. Yes, it’s cute, which isn’t typically what a sports team would want representing them. He thinks students are ready, but the issue will require more discussion before a specific mascot is chosen, he said. “It wasn’t really a campaign by me,” she said. Since that controversial decision, the university has been completely mascot … Something serious, dignified and historically correct. Maybe it’s time to give the “Alma Otter” its chance to swim into the hearts of all of America. Winds light and variable.. Students at the University of Illinois last week voted in favor of adopting the Belted Kingfisher, an orange and blue bird native to the state, as the school’s mascot. While a new mascot would certainly not end the fighting, it would provide an outcome with far less controversy and more spirit for the school. But some just didn’t like that particular concept. Josellis said some students who voted against Alma Otter were Chief supporters who don’t want any mascot. Get the latest headlines on local sports! It's a bird native to Illinois. That stays in line with the Memorial Stadium theme. Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers. An editorial (pdf, 150KB) in the … Wait- please don’t leave. Let me introduce you to the “Alma Otter”, a mascot based on the famous statue on campus called the Alma Mater.

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