Utes' New Mascot Takes Wing

by Byron Sims

Up until the beginning of the New Year, the U of U held a dubious distinction as the only school in the Western Athletic Conference without a sideline mascot, those acrobatic "personalities" who incite crowds in fun-loving ways. But on January 2, during the Utah-BYU men's basketball game at the Huntsman Center, the onus was lifted. The Utes' new mascot-personality—a red-tailed hawk, as yet unnamed—swooped to life at halftime and a new aspect of Utah athletics was off and winging.

It was less of a legend being born than the end of a lengthy gestation period. After nearly two years of discussion and debate, the Utes' new representative had become the U's worst-kept secret. Tryouts for the person to "play" the mascot (candidates performed in a gorilla suit) were covered by the news media. And speculation about what the mascot would be was a "Oh, haven't you heard?" exercise.

The most persistent rumor, unfortunately, was that the University was changing the name of its athletics team, discarding the nickname of Utes. But that was never considered a viable option during the protracted sessions, chaired by Ted Capener BS'53, vice president for university relations. Participants in the meetings represented a cross-section of campus and community life, from the Alumni Association and student government to ethnic student affairs and the Crimson Club.

Finally, by last fall, a decision was reached. There would be no revival of yesteryear's Hoyo caricature—now egregiously "incorrect," no return of the short-lived Crimson Warrior, no ethnic reflection of any kind. Instead, the hawk would fly, and the Utes remain the Utes.

"The red-tailed hawk was a consensus choice," explains Capener. "We feel this magnificent bird reflects the soaring spirit of our great state and university, and of our very successful athletics program. The new sideline mascot will enhance the competitive spirit we want to see at all Ute games. In addition, the mascot will be athletic, engaging, and fun, the type of character who can `connect' with the crowd and encourage the involvement of the fans."

Dennie Dunn BS'65, former Crimson Club chair, agreed with the choice from the outset. He also had strongly advocated having the red-tailed hawk—live and in living color—at the mascot's Huntsman Center debut. "Have you ever seen one?" he asks. "It's a proud, magnificent bird with tremendous dignity. I am very impressed with what it seems to represent. By having people actually see a live hawk, I think there will be a clearer understanding of what this mascot means to the U."

"We want our mascot not only to involve the crowd, but to interact with the cheerleaders and band as well," emphasizes Marc Amicone, director of athletics marketing, who coordinated the mascot's development. "He should be somewhat fierce, but still appealing to youngsters. And the hawk may also represent the U at public events such as parades, golf tournaments, etc." Salt Laker Michelle Signorello designed the initial costume in the fall. Then, after several refinements, a Salt Lake costume company produced the final product in December for the Huntsman Center debut. Alinco, which is headed by Terry Allen ex'69, has outfitted such popular NBA mascots as the Seattle SuperSonics' Squatch and the Utah Jazz's Bear (who was on the panel of judges which selected the person to become Utah's hawk figure). Alinco works with colleges and high schools across the country on mascot garb. Utah's hawk is being "played" by a U of U student with previous experience in roles similar to a mascot's. He remains anonymous, but he is a business major. The hawk's name will be chosen through a campus contest.

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