A new mascot name for St. Bonas

[Friar]

TEXTTEXT

[sbu79]

Couldn't bring myself to vote for any of these. As with others, to me, we will always be the Brown Indians. I can live with Bonnies, however, since it was a long time informal nickname and term of endearment.

If a change were really to be contemplated, I nominate Brown Falcons. The connection is only in the color since the bird in question is native to either Australia or NewZealand (I forget which) - but at least the brown falcon is a species that really exists. Falcon captures the fighting spirit and the color scheme seems to work, too.

[FriendsofAN44]

I have to do a write-in vote -


Flyin' Franciscans !!


(although Brown Indians is still # 1 in my heart - and in Carson Waterman's !!)

[sbuSTUDent2005]

can you add a "none of the above" option?

[wgt]

Tyler Benson played for the Morgantown HS Mohigans. His high school gym sports a huge Indian logo in full Head Dress at center court. Avid Mohigan fans follow this successful program that went 66-9 record while Tyler played there & last season compiled a 20-6 record while the frosh team went 20-0. The Mohigan Basketball website has been running a congratulatory message to Tyler ever since the day he signed with Bonnies. Bona will certainly have greater name recognition with upcoming players in the Morgantown area with Tyler here & Gansey known as a past Bonnie. I always liked the sound of the “Bonnies” ever since the days of the Stith’s & Lanier.

[BrownIndian95]

TEXT Just in case you cant figure it out from the name
Brown Indians FOREVER!!!!

Political Correctness is overrated!!!!!

[Copenhagen]

I like the Franciscan options....or Friars....

good point about the Fightin Irish....is that politically correct....as well as --- Redman, Brown Indians.....

I guess some people would find it similiar to a name such as Black Africans or the Yellow.....

But at some point it is over rated...but if it does offend a culture, ethnic group or people then we should move on.....Bonnies is more of a nickname I thought....

thought the Marquette options were ok....alot of thought, energy and time is going into this subject....is it worth it to hold on to it so strongly?

[Hopewell83]

The problem I have with the "Fighting Franciscans" is that it really makes no sense. The Franciscans are not the "fighting" friars. That honor historically went to the Jesuits.

Bring back the Brown Indians.

[Chuck]

I've always thought the Senecas of St. Bonaventure would have been a good compromise. Senecas would pay respect to a proud and much respected Indian Nation that was located around St. Bonaventure. This way we could bring back the "Brown Indian" mascot. For political correctness, there is a big difference between the nicknames Senecas and Brown Indians. We might know the Brown does not refer to skin color, but I can assure you people not associated with St. Bonaventure do not know this.

[MarylandBonnie]

I grew up during the Mark Jones/Eric Stover era. I could be incorrect but I remember the home whites said St. Bonnies on them. My point is, we will always be the "Bonnies" but my vote for a new mascot would be "Franciscan Knights". I also think "Franciscan Crusaders" would also not be bad. No!!, not the crusaders of the middle ages but rather a crusade to spread the Franciscan ideals of our beloved University.

What do you folks think?

[mangham]

on this there should be no debate.........Brown Indians.........Poppy!

[FroMunga]

If you wanted to enter a contest for the longest name then you are off to a good start.

St. Bonaventure Fighting Franciscans
St. Bonaventure Franciscan Crusaders

To much verbage from a marketing standpoint. Then again some marketing genius came up with that rat looking mascot a few years ago. I wonder how much money was wasted in that endeavor?

[Gino72]

Here is a current article on the subject.

I thought that it was somewhat interesting that 30 schools still have Native American-related mascots!!

www.usatoday.com/sports/college/other/2005-05-15-native-americans-ncaa_x.htm

[bababooey]

How bout the Wolves? Didn't a wolf play a key role in the story of St. Francis or Merton?

[wgt]

Indeed the Wolf was a significant figure in the life of Francis. He is frequently depicted in pictures and carvings with “brother wolf.” This account by writer Sharon Callahan explains the close connection between Francis & the wolf. If not the “Brown Indian” I can think of no better mascot for Bona than the wolf.
"Perhaps the most famous story of St. Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. While Francis was staying in that town he learned of a wolf so ravenous that it was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. The people took up arms and went after it, but those who encountered the wolf were killed. The villagers became afraid to leave the city walls.
Francis took pity on the people and the wolf as well and decided to go out and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the people, but he insisted that God would take care of him. A brave friar and several peasants accompanied Francis outside the city gate. But soon the peasants became terrified and said they would go no farther.
Francis and his companion began to walk on. Suddenly the wolf, jaws wide open, charged out of the woods at the couple. Francis made the Sign of the Cross toward the wolf who immediately slowed down and closed its mouth. Then Francis called out to the wolf: “Come to me, Brother Wolf. I wish you no harm.” At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis’ feet, meek as a lamb.
By the time they got to the town square, everyone was there to witness the miracle. Then he offered the townspeople peace, on behalf of the wolf. The townspeople promised in a loud voice to feed the wolf. Then Francis asked the wolf if he would live in peace under those terms. He bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that convinced everyone he accepted the pact. Then once again the wolf placed its paw in Francis’ hand as a sign of the pact.
From that day on the people kept the pact they had made. The wolf lived for two years among the townspeople, going from door to door for food. It hurt no one and no one hurt it. Even the dogs did not bark at it. When the wolf finally died of old age, the people of Gubbio were sad. The wolf’s peaceful ways had been a living reminder to them of the wonders, patience, virtues and holiness of St. Francis. It had been a living symbol of the power and providence of the living God."