Is Stanford A Useful Comparison for Illinois? The Boneyard!

Having been duly questioned about my last post, I offer a different comparison. As reported by the Stanford Athletic Department (read here), “Stanford’s mascot and nickname have a history that dates back to the University’s founding in 1891. While the Cardinal has always been one of the school’s official colors, the nickname has gone through a series of changes, student votes, controversy and confusion.” Okay, that’s familiar.

“Stanford officially adopted the Indian nickname on Nov. 25, 1930 after a unanimous vote by the Executive Committee for the Associated Students. The Indian had long been considered the symbol of Stanford before the official vote, although its origins are only speculation.” Okay, that’s about the time the Chief became our school’s cherished symbol.

“The Indian symbol was eventually dropped in 1972 following meetings between Stanford native American students and President Richard Lyman. The 55 students, supported by the other 358 American Indians enrolled in California colleges, felt the mascot was an insult to their culture and heritage. As a result of these talks and the ensuing publicity, the Stanford Student Senate voted 18-4 to drop the Indian symbol, and Lyman agreed.” Okay, that sounds like the news story yesterday and today.

“In 1978, another group comprised of 225 varsity athletes from 18 teams, started a petition for the mascot to be the griffin – a mythological animal with the body and hind legs of a lion and head and wings of an eagle. The University moved two griffin statues from the Children’s Hospital to a grassy area between Encina Gym and Angel Field. The campaign for the Griffins failed.” Okay, that sounds like a cautionary tale for Illinois.

“The Mascot: There is no official mascot at Stanford University. The "Tree," which is a member of the Stanford Band, is representative of El Palo Alto, the Redwood tree which is the logo of the city of Palo Alto. Since Stanford University and Palo Alto are almost inextricably intertwined in interests and location, it is a natural outgrowth of this relationship. The tree still exists and stands by the railroad bridge beside San Francisquito Creek – it is the site where early explorers first camped when settling the area.” Okay, maybe we’ll be the BONEYARD.

Who Changes Their Team Name? Legendary Football Teams

As Illini Nation divides itself over a new mascot, it is worthwhile to consider iconic NFL teams. The Chicago Bears began in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, so-named for the A. E. Staley food starch company of Decatur, Illinois. Also formed in 1919, the Green Bay Packers had their uniforms purchased by the Indian Packing Company with the understanding that the team be named for its sponsor. Interesting to note, they dropped their Indian identity long ago without losing their fan base. The Pittsburgh football franchise, originally named the Pirates, was later renamed the Steelers out of respect for the city’s leading industry. The Bears. The Packers. The Steelers. All began with different names and identities. If they survived and flourished, chances are that the University of Illinois will make a successful transition, too.