UWG News Item
Contact: UWG Public Relations Office
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Mascot search narrows down six finalists
October 31, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA - The Athletics Marketing Identity Task Force will carry six proposed nicknames forward for further consideration by the University of West Georgia community. Twelve proposals were narrowed to six by the 3,960 individuals who participated in a recent online poll.
The leading six proposals include Patriots (1,754); RedHawks (1,406); Mustangs (1,246); Wolves (1,045); Firebirds (1,004); and The Brave (950). Poll participants were asked to submit preferences for five favorite nicknames.
Polling results for the other six proposals were: Thunderbirds (775); Bears (714); Dragons (695); Coyotes (590); Tornadoes (551) and Power (283).
According to Dr. Tara Singer, chair of the Task Force, since there were only 54 votes separating the Firebirds and The Brave, the committee decided to keep the top six under consideration. The Task Force had originally planned to narrow the field to five nicknames for the next phase of polling.
The next phase of polling will include graphic designs for the six semi-finalists that are under development by Rickabaugh Graphics from Gahanna, Ohio. These graphics will be included on the mascot website, and focus groups will be conducted throughout November in order to gather objective feedback from the fans, alumni, students, faculty and staff.
Rickabaugh Graphics has completed rebranding work for The Ohio State University, Western Kentucky University, the University of Connecticut, Seton Hall, and the University of Wisconsin in addition to numerous other institutions.
The second online poll will launch the week of November 14 and can be completed by visiting the website at http://mascot.westga.edu. In order to complete the poll, participants must have a registration ticket number. Alumni, faculty, staff, donors and many friends of the university were mailed postcards that provided a unique registration ticket number to allow an individual to submit their preferences. UWG students use their student identification number as their ticket number. The use of ticket numbers is intended to prevent electronic ballot box stuffing.
“If you did not receive a postcard but wish to participate in the poll, please email Victoria Gunther (vgunther@westga.edu) or phone 678-839-6447 and request a ticket number,” Singer said.
The poll will remain online until December 3 and will assist the Task Force in narrowing the field to three mascots for final consideration by the President’s Advisory Council.
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