THE PROCESS TO COME UP with a new nickname to replace Redmen took a big step at tonight’s meeting of the MAPS School Board.
After looking at 2000 submissions, the board, through a process that included the current student body, has whittled it down to a final eight. In no particular order, here they are…
Red Jackets
Marauders
Sentinels
Cardinals
Redtail Hawks
Red Hawks
Hawks
Reds
What do you think? Pretty red heavy, but that would make all your red apparel still relevant. Sentinels is the only one with local historical significance, as far as I can tell. We’ve had some Sentinel hockey teams in the past. The current fight song is peppered with the word “fight,” so Marauders would work well with that. They’re beautiful birds, but I’ve never felt too intimidated by a Cardinal.
There was no discussion regarding any gender identification. So no more “ettes?” Or Lady Red Hawks? Potential logos should also come into consideration. The imagery will be almost as important as the name itself.
It’s interesting that Mariners didn’t make the list after getting quite a bit of play on social media. Apparently there are other Mariners in the region and we don’t want to be copy-cats. Good. I thought Mariners was uninspired anyway. How many of us are actually Mariners?
It would be cool if they could keep it a secret and then announce it amidst a celebration of sorts. Unfortunately, unlike the private sector, they have to be out in the open with their decision-making.
The board does want to hear your opinion on these. I’m sure there will be plenty of social media chat, but don’t count on all the board members to see that. You can email them at schoolboard@mapsnet.org.
Further discussion will take place at the board’s next regular meeting, where they hope to come up with a final two. A special meeting will be held January 22nd, at Kaufman Auditorium, where the new nickname will be finalized.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried to come up with a new nickname that would knock it out of the park. And also if you’re like me, you found that’s not so easy to do.
This issue has been on the table for how long… 25 years or so? That’s long enough. Yes, it’s been contentious at times, and not an easy fix, but at least this school board took it on. No more kicking the can down the road.
The names on the list above are fine. Let’s pick one and move on.