The Valpo team mascot is a beloved symbol of the university's athletic spirit and pride. Named "Crusader," the mascot represents the university's history, values, and spirit. The Crusader is known for its strong and determined attitude, representing the perseverance and dedication of Valpo athletes. The mascot's appearance includes a suit of armor, a shield, and a sword, all symbolizing the bravery and courage of the Valpo community. The Crusader is present at various athletic events, cheering on the Valpo teams and interacting with fans to showcase the university's spirit and sportsmanship. It serves as a rallying point for the Valpo community, fostering a sense of pride and unity among students, alumni, and fans.
The reception on campus for the new mascots has been overwhelmingly positive, with students fully embracing the new faces of Valpo events with enthusiasm.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Beacon Blog is collaborating with a Hispanic student-run blog, HispaValpo to bring you a special edition Café con un Professor. On the other side of the issue was a Valpo athlete who asked for anonymity to say, It goes against what I feel like is one of Valpo s strongest characteristics tradition.
It serves as a rallying point for the Valpo community, fostering a sense of pride and unity among students, alumni, and fans. Overall, the Valpo team mascot, the Crusader, is an integral part of the university's athletic culture, embodying the values and spirit of Valpo athletics..
Valparaiso drops mascot linked to KKK & violence after already having ditched Nazi-linked name in '40s; might we suggest one?
Valpo is most famous, sports-wise, for Bryce Drew’s buzzer-beater to upset Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA Tournament, and victory over Florida State in the second round to reach the Sweet 16. Since then, Valpo went to the 2016 NIT title game, and have six one-and-done trips to the Big Dance on their ledger.
AdvertisementThe teams at Valparaiso have been known as the Crusaders, but that nickname is being retired. As interim university president Colette Irwin-Knott explained in the Valpo Torch, “The negative connotation associated with the Crusader is not reflective of Valor’s mission and values, which promote a welcoming and inclusive community.”
AdvertisementCNN noted that the Crusader is an image used by hate groups, as well as the name of the Ku Klux Klan’s newspaper. But on campus, it’s about more than that, reflected by the Torch’s reporting.
AdvertisementThe Torch quoted Valpo senior Jenna Rifai about how, “As a Muslim, I was embarrassed to come to Valpo because the school’s mascot was a Crusader, even though my mom and older siblings went here before me. … I know it seems like a little small image but that image holds power. Symbols hold power.”
On the other side of the issue was a Valpo athlete who asked for anonymity to say, “It goes against what I feel like is one of Valpo’s strongest characteristics: tradition.”
AdvertisementThe “tradition” of Valparaiso being the Crusaders goes all the way back to… 1942. That’s when Valpo decided to ditch its previous mascot, the Uhlan, because of that word’s link to German cavalry units . Never mind that by World War II, it was Nazi Germany overrunning the Polish Uhlans, but Valpo wanted nothing to do with that name. From 1934-40, even the school yearbook had been called “The Uhlan,” the 1939 edition of which referred to Valpo as Uhlanville.
One of those Uhlan yearbooks may hold the key to Valpo’s future nickname.
Illustration : The Uhlan, 1939, screenshot from Valparaiso University Library Digital Collection AdvertisementPlease become the Donkeys and bring back a mascot that’s literally all about kicking ass. (Tweet!)
Chris Doyle , who just Thursday was announced as the Jaguars’ new director of sports performance and was just months removed from being forced out from the University of Iowa over his mistreatment of Black players , is already now the Jaguars’ former director of sports performance .
He shouldn’t have gotten the job in the first place, but…
After the decision to make Valpo’s new nickname “the Beacons,” the search was underway to identify a mascot as well. The president’s office, in conjunction with alumni engagement, quickly realized that the decision was best left to those that the mascot would represent the most: Valpo students.
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Reviews for "Valpo's Mascot: Supporting the Athletic Program On and Off the Field"
1. Emily - 1 star:
I was extremely disappointed with the Valpo team mascot. It was just a person in a overly large and poorly made costume. There was no creativity or uniqueness to the mascot. It didn't represent the spirit of the team or the university at all. It was more like a joke that fell flat. I hope they reconsider and come up with something better.
2. Michael - 2 stars:
The Valpo team mascot was a complete letdown. It lacked any excitement or energy. The person inside the costume appeared unenthusiastic and didn't engage with the crowd or the game. It felt like they just picked any random person to wear the costume without considering the impact it would have on the audience. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming experience.
3. Sarah - 1 star:
The Valpo team mascot was simply atrocious. It was hard to tell what it was supposed to be, and it didn't resemble anything related to sports or the university. The costume looked like it was just thrown together last minute, with no thought put into its design. The lack of effort was evident and it brought down the overall atmosphere of the game. I would expect better from a university with such a reputation.
4. Alex - 2 stars:
I found the Valpo team mascot to be quite underwhelming. It lacked any originality and felt like a generic costume anyone could buy online. There was no creativity or effort put into its design. It was disappointing to see such a lackluster representation of the team and university. I hope they consider investing in a better mascot in the future to enhance the fan experience.
5. Jessica - 1 star:
The Valpo team mascot was a complete disaster. It looked outdated and out of touch with modern sports mascots. The costume didn't convey any enthusiasm or team spirit, which is crucial for a mascot. It felt like a wasted opportunity to connect with the fans and create a memorable experience. I was thoroughly disappointed and would not recommend it to anyone attending a Valpo game.