By COOPER RATHMANN
The Buccaneer mascot has been the symbol and embodiment of athletics at Beloit College for quite some time, but perhaps its reign has lasted too long. It’s a mascot so strong it represents what it means to be an athlete on campus, a person who’s not only physically and mentally strong but also who’s willing to be brave and courageous in times of adversity.
Some have even tried to “throw the pirate overboard” by suing the college for the rights to the logo, which ultimately ended in failure for the aggressor (Nice try Tampa Bay). Now, athletics have reached the modern era of sports, and perhaps a rebrand is needed for the changing times.
The proposed method I have in mind is something taken from the likes of minor league baseball, in which they switch their team name and uniforms for the spirit of community, whether that be commemorating the heritage of the city’s groups or simply to have something fun for fans to rally behind.
For example, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the high-A affiliate team for the Milwaukee Brewers, temporarily changed their name to the Wisconsin Udder Tuggers as their alternative identity for a series of games in June 2019. This team’s alter egos were loved by the masses, and these teams continuously brought them back for unique promotions to celebrate state or local cultures and events.
If these strategies have paid off well for the minor leagues, then maybe the Beloit community and buccaneer athletics can follow suit for good old-fashioned fun.
Now it’s time to say your goodbyes to The Buccaneers and give a warm welcome to the new and improved Beloit Bell Runners! The Bell Runners name pays tribute to the infamous tradition at campus.
Whether you’re a supporter of these types of shenanigans or not, it’s still a humorous way to shed light on the uniqueness of the college experience. It also gives a little nudge and incentive of support to those alumni who may have participated in such activities during their time on campus.
The logo’s redesign doesn’t diverge too much from the authentic one but includes lighter versions of the classic blue and gold to keep the integrity of the college’s signature color scheme.
All team uniforms would be altered as well, highlighting the sleek aesthetic of the distance from The Wall to Morse-Ingersoll Hall. By giving the bell life, the logo personifies a daring nature that would strike fear in the opponent’s eyes, making the players subsequently pee themselves knowing to never mess with the Bell Runners.
The logo would transform into such a source of overwhelming power and intimidation that each individual sports team could only use it once per season so it doesn’t become too unfair for the competition. After that once-per-season use, fans of the Buccaneer can be happy when it makes its rightful return as the face of Beloit College athletics.
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