College Wants A New Nickname, But Some Prefer Current `Indians'

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Juniata College began balloting last week to choose a new mascot despite claims the current "Indian" best reflects the school's educational and competitive spirit.

"One of the criteria for the new name was that it exhibit bravery and courage," said Chris Bush, a former student body president. "I don't know how much a fish would do that."

During their dinner hour Wednesday, students opened a two-day voting period to decide how to replace the Indian as the school mascot. Ballots also were mailed first-class to more than 10,000 alumni.

Trustees vote on the name change April 30, after students and alumni choose their preference from Eagles, J-Hawks, Muskies, Rattlers and Wolves. Voting for the term "Indians" is not an option.

"At least `Muskie' is not copying some other schools," said Bush, a 1992 graduate. The muskie is a game fish that grows up to 8 feet long.

If the muskie is chosen, there could be many possible promotions. Some suggestions bandied about on campus last week:

-- Juniata could sign a deal with the Long John Silver's seafood restaurant chain and adopt its slogan, "Go Fish," as a new cheer.

-- One school official said that former senator and presidential candidate Edmund Muskie could be brought in as a commencement speaker.

-- Students, some joked, could throw fish and other seafood while doing "the wave."

Juniata's nickname became "Indians" in 1925, when the school newspaper used the term in a sports story. The student body adopted the nickname and it was never questioned until 1972, when the college said it might be inappropriate, then dropped the subject.

In 1989, Juniata's Human Concerns Committee asked the school to look into the term. Last fall the trustees sought suggestions for a new name.

"The college needs to be involved in multicultural, cross-cultural educational experiences so students who graduate in the '90s and thereafter are prepared for a world that goes beyond the United States," said Chris Umble, president of the school's alumni association.

"Is this an appropriate nickname for a college that's educating in cultural diversity?" he asked.

Eric Stothart, a senior, said the term was appropriate. He cited a 1992 visit by Indian activist Russell Means during the debate over the Indian name.

"He said Indians were close to the earth, appreciative of nature, appreciative of art. As a liberal arts college, isn't that what we do?" Stothart said.

"The Indian was a fitting mascot," he said. "They did go into battle, with war paint, and even though they may have been forced into their battles, they were fighting for their land. They were fighting for what was theirs.

"There is a ferocity and competitiveness there, and it's not all bad."