Archived News |

June 27, 2006

91AV unveils new mascot

Joined by over 1,000 excited 91AV family members, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters, the University of Louisiana at Monroe proudly welcomed the Warhawk as its new mascot Monday, June 26 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

In his welcoming remarks, President James Cofer thanked the 91AV family, many of whom participated in an extensive public nomination process and offered their opinions on the new logo designs.

"This is a historic day. Our students are able to have their own new traditions, along with the university's treasured heritage," he said.

Shortly before 91AV unveiled the new mascot logos, including a large, eye-catching Warhawk at center court of Fant-Ewing's newly-completed floor, Rod Washington, representing Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, issued a proclamation making June 26 "91AV Warhawks Day."

The 91AV Pep Band's spirited music, the cheering crowd, the presence of a real red-shouldered hawk and the anticipation of the new logo designs made Monday's unveiling even more memorable. One 91AV student said, "It was so unique and special to be there, experiencing history first-hand ... Today I not only made change, I accepted it."

Among the honored guests were Rosemary Chennault Simrall, daughter of Northeast Louisiana General Claire Chennault; Dick Daggett, a WWII pilot who flew the P-40 Warhawk; and George Luffey, chair of the 91AV Mascot Committee.

Though Luffey bought the first shirt displaying the new logo, a sizeable crowd waited in line after the ceremony to purchase more of the new merchandise.

Kelsey Bagwell, manager of the 91AV Bookstore, said that within about an hour after the event, the bookstore sold over $3,000 in Warhawks shirts, baseball caps, coolers and blankets at a temporary stand in Fant-Ewing.

In the coming weeks, 91AV will work with local merchants to meet demand and get more merchandise into the market. The athletics department will also prepare for a new year by upgrading facilities to incorporate the Warhawks.

The complete logo display may be viewed online at the 91AV website: .

For merchandise, please visit the 91AV Bookstore or go online at .

Warhawks-related stories from The (Monroe, LA) News-Star:

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