All Things Denver--XXXV

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

That is what is going to happen to the DU faithful. What I worry about are the season ticket holders that sit near me that have no ties to DU and go for the (relatively more) affordable hockey. I have no ties to DU, although my wife does (but I had these season tickets 8 years before we got married). Attendance is good, but a large number of those seats are filled with those who want to see good hockey. I hope the new coach, team, and administration can deliver. Maybe my ticket prices don't go up, but I doubt that. Maybe some of those who got used to good hockey are willing to watch just plain old hockey, but I doubt that too. We better schedule a few more home games against ND and CC, seeing as we might need their attendance and am losing the regular play against the Gophers and Badgers. And I hate hosting ND moreso than any other team.

Well, I hope in the fullness of time you and they will come around. Besides, you're included in "the rest of us." On the other hand, you're suggesting non DU Pioneer fans are or will take this ouster harder than DU fans. Frankly, I'm not convinced. And I see no basis for assuming the Pioneers will become "just plain old hockey." That's why the hire is so important. Nobody wants to go back to the dark days. As far as scheduling the Sioux more frequently is concerned, I have no problem, but public health officials might.

 

[BigBossMan]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Yesterday I got off the phone with a former neighbor of mine who (now semi-retired) but used to work at DU and still does a lot of fundraising for the school. I was just going to discuss all that happened and his semi-terse reply was like, "Don't you know I am busy?" He called back today and I know why he was so busy. He was making calls to donors reassuring them, or at least the ones that give to the hockey program.

I sure wouldn't have wanted to call Bozak, Zucker, Stastny, Carle, etc., etc., etc, for donations after Peg "Dopey" Doppes gave George his walking papers. These young multi-millionaires gave their support to Gwoz and had rather harsh tweets/statements toward the University. Epic financial fail! DU will miss out on future donations for hockey from these NHL stars.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

I sure wouldn't have wanted to call Bozak, Zucker, Stastny, Carle, etc., etc., etc, for donations after Peg "Dopey" Doppes gave George his walking papers. These young multi-millionaires gave their support to Gwoz and had rather harsh tweets/statements toward the University. Epic financial fail! DU will miss out on future donations for hockey from these NHL stars.

And you've got a reltny as a result.

 

[A Shot and a Goal]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

This just in from the Department of Crappola.



To: University of Denver Alumni


The University of Denver has begun the process of selecting a new mascot, led by an Undergraduate Student Government task force. The task force’s goal is to wholeheartedly recognize the voice of any person who is passionate about the values and imagery they feel ought to be included in the process.

We will be updating all members of the DU community as this process moves forward. Toward that end, we are sharing the following communication sent today to all students by our student government leaders. For questions or comments, please email the University at internalnews@du.edu.

***

Who is a Denver Pioneer?

To the student government, being a Denver Pioneer means recognizing the culture of our community and never settling for mediocrity when there is greatness on the horizon. A Denver Pioneer calls for and earnestly compels improvement, challenge and constant forward progress.

The University of Denver is constantly evolving and growing and part of this change is how we, as a community, reflect on what it means to be a Denver Pioneer. For more than 14 years this campus has struggled with confrontation and uncertainty on the topic of an official mascot. During this time, we have done little service to each other in constantly debating the mascot dilemma. Out of this uncertainty, some of you are asking why we must change. This letter explains why now is the right time for change, and what we aim to accomplish through the process.

DU student government leaders steadfastly stand behind the belief that, at this point in our University’s history, the mascot images of our past neither reflect the values of nor unite our entire community today, as is indisputably the highest purpose and standard of a mascot. Denver Boone, for example, was adopted in 1968 during the height of popularity of TV westerns and frontier dramas. Today, it stands as an old-fashioned, nostalgic symbol of a past in which the marginalization of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans in the historical record was common. It does not represent the diversity of the DU community today.

We believe that it is time for all of us to join together in recognizing Boone’s place in our school history and move forward with a new, inclusive, forward-looking mascot symbol.

For this reason, when a student asked for the formation of a student task force to reconsider the topic of a new mascot, the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments happily gave their full support. The process has truly taken off, as it has inspired not only students but also faculty, staff, alumni, and even the Denver community to consider the meaning of a Denver Pioneer.

We look forward to collaboratively refining an image that will stand as an inspiring symbol of the University of Denver, and demonstrate the unwavering respect that we share for all our fellow Pioneers past, present and future.

To clarify, we are going to remain the Denver Pioneers and our school colors will remain crimson and gold. The Administration has made this clear and student government fully supports their decision. What is changing is only the visual representation of the Denver Pioneers.

Through qualitative and quantitative research being conducted by Marketing & Communications, as well as through open public forums, we aim to understand the community’s collective ideas of what our new Denver Pioneer will be in the future. This process has just begun and, if you want to have a voice in the process, we ask you to join us.

Below is the schedule for the open public forums, beginning today. We invite all interested community members to attend and voice their perspective. Thank you for your trust and constructive support as we progress towards a new mascot.

Open Public Forums for the mascot research: All rooms located in the Driscoll Student Center, 2050 E. Evans Ave.

April 4 (Thursday), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 5 (Friday), 2-3 p.m. – Driscoll Underground
April 8 (Monday), 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 10 (Wednesday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 11 (Thursday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1864

Go Pioneers!

 

[carltonbarrett]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Wasn't April fools two days ago? You've got to be kidding me, since when did western pioneers become racists? Being PC is one thing, but this is absurd!

 

[Chris]

Good point. Look, here's what's going to happen. DU will eventually hire a new coach. Whoever he is will make it job one to reach out to his current and prospective players. Followed by hockey alumni and donors. Then the rest of us. He'll say all the right things, do all the right things. He'll ask for our help and support. He'll talk sincerely about having "big shoes to fill", DU's "great tradition" and all the rest. And we will accept him. Because he didn't cause this mess. And because we want him to succeed. That's not to minimize our feelings of disappointment and betrayal, we're fully justified. But at the end of the day, we're Pioneer (or whatever's coming) fans. That's the bottom line.

Good points, as well.

Yeah, job one will be for the new coach to reach out and begin building relations with the current roster and all the guys who are supposed to come. Assuring the alumni and donors that he is on top of everything and making sure they know that they are an important component will be huge as well. I also think that an approach to the fans that is less corporate and clinical and more like when Ralph and Frank were here would be pretty cool right about now. Back then there were more get togethers like BBQ's or Frank's spaghetti dinners where the players were waiters. It just made the random fan feel closer to the program and they were fun.

It will be interesting to see who DU lines up for interviews. After cycling through many names the past few days, I have settled my mind to conclude that I definitely would not mind Troy Ward to be the next coach. It is probably just a pipe dream as he is currently a head coach in the AHL. Though I did sit with him at a luncheon while he was here where he told me how amazing of a place he thought Denver was. Now, everything about that could have changed for all I know. He has consistently coached since the age of about 23 and at practically every level from college on up. I think he is probably 45 or 46 and has as much experience as anyone possibly could for his age. Like I alluded to, it is probably far-fetched, though DU should shoot as high as they can in this search.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

This just in from the Department of Crappola.



To: University of Denver Alumni


The University of Denver has begun the process of selecting a new mascot, led by an Undergraduate Student Government task force. The task force’s goal is to wholeheartedly recognize the voice of any person who is passionate about the values and imagery they feel ought to be included in the process.

We will be updating all members of the DU community as this process moves forward. Toward that end, we are sharing the following communication sent today to all students by our student government leaders. For questions or comments, please email the University at internalnews@du.edu.

***

Who is a Denver Pioneer?

To the student government, being a Denver Pioneer means recognizing the culture of our community and never settling for mediocrity when there is greatness on the horizon. A Denver Pioneer calls for and earnestly compels improvement, challenge and constant forward progress.

The University of Denver is constantly evolving and growing and part of this change is how we, as a community, reflect on what it means to be a Denver Pioneer. For more than 14 years this campus has struggled with confrontation and uncertainty on the topic of an official mascot. During this time, we have done little service to each other in constantly debating the mascot dilemma. Out of this uncertainty, some of you are asking why we must change. This letter explains why now is the right time for change, and what we aim to accomplish through the process.

DU student government leaders steadfastly stand behind the belief that, at this point in our University’s history, the mascot images of our past neither reflect the values of nor unite our entire community today, as is indisputably the highest purpose and standard of a mascot. Denver Boone, for example, was adopted in 1968 during the height of popularity of TV westerns and frontier dramas. Today, it stands as an old-fashioned, nostalgic symbol of a past in which the marginalization of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans in the historical record was common. It does not represent the diversity of the DU community today.

We believe that it is time for all of us to join together in recognizing Boone’s place in our school history and move forward with a new, inclusive, forward-looking mascot symbol.

For this reason, when a student asked for the formation of a student task force to reconsider the topic of a new mascot, the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments happily gave their full support. The process has truly taken off, as it has inspired not only students but also faculty, staff, alumni, and even the Denver community to consider the meaning of a Denver Pioneer.

We look forward to collaboratively refining an image that will stand as an inspiring symbol of the University of Denver, and demonstrate the unwavering respect that we share for all our fellow Pioneers past, present and future.

To clarify, we are going to remain the Denver Pioneers and our school colors will remain crimson and gold. The Administration has made this clear and student government fully supports their decision. What is changing is only the visual representation of the Denver Pioneers.

Through qualitative and quantitative research being conducted by Marketing & Communications, as well as through open public forums, we aim to understand the community’s collective ideas of what our new Denver Pioneer will be in the future. This process has just begun and, if you want to have a voice in the process, we ask you to join us.

Below is the schedule for the open public forums, beginning today. We invite all interested community members to attend and voice their perspective. Thank you for your trust and constructive support as we progress towards a new mascot.

Open Public Forums for the mascot research: All rooms located in the Driscoll Student Center, 2050 E. Evans Ave.

April 4 (Thursday), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 5 (Friday), 2-3 p.m. – Driscoll Underground
April 8 (Monday), 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 10 (Wednesday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 11 (Thursday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1864

Go Pioneers!

Oh, Chr*st! The only not horrible thing about the Gwoz firing is to put this nonsense in some sort of perspective. I was on campus in '68, and believe me, we reveled in "marginalizing" women, blacks, Asians, Jews, Latinos, gays, Muslims, foreigners, short people, fat people, ugly people (especially women), handicapped people, stupid people and just anybody who didn't look and think just like we did. And we felt like Disney's Boone cartoon embodied all of those attributes. And I'm quite confident a committee of twerps, "pregnant with celestial fire" can come up with an appropriate mascot for our great university. Why on earth would anyone worry about it?

Not that it matters, but by '68 the popularity of TV westerns had waned enormously from its height in the '50s. But why should DU's house mice confine themselves to facts?

And is it just me or does the "go Pioneers" at the end of that diktat reek of insincerity? As such, is it not another insult? And there's no question we need to end the "confrontation and uncertainty." Why, just recently 3 students confronted 200 students who were participating in a Boone video. Can't be having that. The delicate sensitivities of those 3 students trump any other consideration. Period. And I may be a cynical old goat, but I'm not exactly optimistic about the openness of this process, claims to the contrary notwithstanding. I'm reminded of what Henry Ford said: "You can have any color Model T you want, so long as it's black."

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Good points, as well.

Yeah, job one will be for the new coach to reach out and begin building relations with the current roster and all the guys who are supposed to come. Assuring the alumni and donors that he is on top of everything and making sure they know that they are an important component will be huge as well. I also think that an approach to the fans that is less corporate and clinical and more like when Ralph and Frank were here would be pretty cool right about now. Back then there were more get togethers like BBQ's or Frank's spaghetti dinners where the players were waiters. It just made the random fan feel closer to the program and they were fun.

It will be interesting to see who DU lines up for interviews. After cycling through many names the past few days, I have settled my mind to conclude that I definitely would not mind Troy Ward to be the next coach. It is probably just a pipe dream as he is currently a head coach in the AHL. Though I did sit with him at a luncheon while he was here where he told me how amazing of a place he thought Denver was. Now, everything about that could have changed for all I know. He has consistently coached since the age of about 23 and at practically every level from college on up. I think he is probably 45 or 46 and has as much experience as anyone possibly could for his age. Like I alluded to, it is probably far-fetched, though DU should shoot as high as they can in this search.

Spaghetti dinners? Sounds cool. Frankly I'm really anxious for this first phase to pass so we can move on and begin ripping on candidates. A selection that would get a "holy shiza" reaction from the media (particularly hockey media) would be a good thing, all other things being equal. Troy Ward would fill that criterion nicely.

 

[Chris]

Spaghetti dinners? Sounds cool. Frankly I'm really anxious for this first phase to pass so we can move on and begin ripping on candidates. A selection that would get a "holy shiza" reaction from the media (particularly hockey media) would be a good thing, all other things being equal. Troy Ward would fill that criterion nicely.

The dinners were Frank's idea and they were pretty popular. Gwoz' first year, they continued but spaghetti was replaced by reubens, then Gwoz didn't carry it on after that. I found some articles where it was pretty much stated that Troy Ward is being groomed in the AHL by the Calgary Flames to eventually be their head coach, so take that for what it is worth.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

I'm just waiting for PETA to become this huge deal and decide that animal mascots are no longer allowed because they marginalize animals. Perhaps it's time to suggest Giant ****** and **** sandwich.

 

[A Shot and a Goal]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Oh, Chr*st! The only not horrible thing about the Gwoz firing is to put this nonsense in some sort of perspective. I was on campus in '68, and believe me, we reveled in "marginalizing" women, blacks, Asians, Jews, Latinos, gays, Muslims, foreigners, short people, fat people, ugly people (especially women), handicapped people, stupid people and just anybody who didn't look and think just like we did. And we felt like Disney's Boone cartoon embodied all of those attributes. And I'm quite confident a committee of twerps, "pregnant with celestial fire" can come up with an appropriate mascot for our great university. Why on earth would anyone worry about it?

Not that it matters, but by '68 the popularity of TV westerns had waned enormously from its height in the '50s. But why should DU's house mice confine themselves to facts?

And is it just me or does the "go Pioneers" at the end of that diktat reek of insincerity? As such, is it not another insult? And there's no question we need to end the "confrontation and uncertainty." Why, just recently 3 students confronted 200 students who were participating in a Boone video. Can't be having that. The delicate sensitivities of those 3 students trump any other consideration. Period. And I may be a cynical old goat, but I'm not exactly optimistic about the openness of this process, claims to the contrary notwithstanding. I'm reminded of what Henry Ford said: "You can have any color Model T you want, so long as it's black."

Diktat. Is that Mike Diktat of da Bears? But I digress...

Old Pio, While you fondly recall reveling in marginalizing all the societal flotsam and jetsam of the halcyon days/daze of Woodtsock West, you skirt one of the central issues at hand. I realize the Pep Band is busy playing at volleyball matches, swim meets, super market openings and the like, and that its busy schedule only allows it to attend two or perhaps three hockey games a saeson, nevertheless, it will be imperative that said orchestral collaboration makes this ditty a part of its repertoire so as to fully capture and glorify the new vistas over which the DU community will gaze when the 2013-2014 hockey season begins.

 

[Old Pio]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Diktat. Is that Mike Diktat of da Bears? But I digress...

Old Pio, While you fondly recall reveling in marginalizing all the societal flotsam and jetsam of the halcyon days/daze of Woodtsock West, you skirt one of the central issues at hand. I realize the Pep Band is busy playing at volleyball matches, swim meets, super market openings and the like, and that its busy schedule only allows it to attend two or perhaps three hockey games a saeson, nevertheless, it will be imperative that said orchestral collaboration makes this ditty a part of its repertoire so as to fully capture and glorify the new vistas over which the DU community will gaze when the 2013-2014 hockey season begins.

And under no circumstances, play DU's Alma Mater, ever.

 

[BigBossMan]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

This just in from the Department of Crappola.



To: University of Denver Alumni


The University of Denver has begun the process of selecting a new mascot, led by an Undergraduate Student Government task force. The task force’s goal is to wholeheartedly recognize the voice of any person who is passionate about the values and imagery they feel ought to be included in the process.

We will be updating all members of the DU community as this process moves forward. Toward that end, we are sharing the following communication sent today to all students by our student government leaders. For questions or comments, please email the University at internalnews@du.edu.

***

Who is a Denver Pioneer?

To the student government, being a Denver Pioneer means recognizing the culture of our community and never settling for mediocrity when there is greatness on the horizon. A Denver Pioneer calls for and earnestly compels improvement, challenge and constant forward progress.

The University of Denver is constantly evolving and growing and part of this change is how we, as a community, reflect on what it means to be a Denver Pioneer. For more than 14 years this campus has struggled with confrontation and uncertainty on the topic of an official mascot. During this time, we have done little service to each other in constantly debating the mascot dilemma. Out of this uncertainty, some of you are asking why we must change. This letter explains why now is the right time for change, and what we aim to accomplish through the process.

DU student government leaders steadfastly stand behind the belief that, at this point in our University’s history, the mascot images of our past neither reflect the values of nor unite our entire community today, as is indisputably the highest purpose and standard of a mascot. Denver Boone, for example, was adopted in 1968 during the height of popularity of TV westerns and frontier dramas. Today, it stands as an old-fashioned, nostalgic symbol of a past in which the marginalization of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans in the historical record was common. It does not represent the diversity of the DU community today.

We believe that it is time for all of us to join together in recognizing Boone’s place in our school history and move forward with a new, inclusive, forward-looking mascot symbol.

For this reason, when a student asked for the formation of a student task force to reconsider the topic of a new mascot, the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments happily gave their full support. The process has truly taken off, as it has inspired not only students but also faculty, staff, alumni, and even the Denver community to consider the meaning of a Denver Pioneer.

We look forward to collaboratively refining an image that will stand as an inspiring symbol of the University of Denver, and demonstrate the unwavering respect that we share for all our fellow Pioneers past, present and future.

To clarify, we are going to remain the Denver Pioneers and our school colors will remain crimson and gold. The Administration has made this clear and student government fully supports their decision. What is changing is only the visual representation of the Denver Pioneers.

Through qualitative and quantitative research being conducted by Marketing & Communications, as well as through open public forums, we aim to understand the community’s collective ideas of what our new Denver Pioneer will be in the future. This process has just begun and, if you want to have a voice in the process, we ask you to join us.

Below is the schedule for the open public forums, beginning today. We invite all interested community members to attend and voice their perspective. Thank you for your trust and constructive support as we progress towards a new mascot.

Open Public Forums for the mascot research: All rooms located in the Driscoll Student Center, 2050 E. Evans Ave.

April 4 (Thursday), 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 5 (Friday), 2-3 p.m. – Driscoll Underground
April 8 (Monday), 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 10 (Wednesday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1880
April 11 (Thursday), 7-8 p.m. – Rm. 1864

Go Pioneers!

Look, here's what's going to happen. DU will eventually pick a new mascot. And we will accept it. Because the new mascot didn't cause this mess. And because we want the mascot to be successful. That's not to minimize our feelings of disappointment and betrayal, we're fully justified. But at the end of the day, we're Pioneer (or whatever's coming) fans. That's the bottom line.

 

[COHockey]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Look, here's what's going to happen. DU will eventually pick a new mascot. And we will accept it.

Just like that bird? It was a dismal failure, in every way. Took only a short while for it to die, but die it did. It will take a long time for a new mascot to take hold, but it will only take a short time if it will fail.

On that note, since miners rape the earth, and when people think "Denver" they don't automatically think 'OX', please please please pick the astronaut. I want the astronaut.

Or a pony.

 

[BigBossMan]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Just like that bird? It was a dismal failure, in every way. Took only a short while for it to die, but die it did. It will take a long time for a new mascot to take hold, but it will only take a short time if it will fail.

On that note, since miners rape the earth, and when people think "Denver" they don't automatically think 'OX', please please please pick the astronaut. I want the astronaut.

Or a pony.

Not seeing the similarities between the statements about the coach and the mascot, eh?

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Look, here's what's going to happen. DU will eventually pick a new mascot. And we will accept it. Because the new mascot didn't cause this mess. And because we want the mascot to be successful. That's not to minimize our feelings of disappointment and betrayal, we're fully justified. But at the end of the day, we're Pioneer (or whatever's coming) fans. That's the bottom line.

I see what you did there.

But can someone explain to me what someone wearing a coonskin cap has to do with "the marginalization of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans"?

 

[COHockey]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Not seeing the similarities between the statements about the coach and the mascot, eh?

I saw, but disagreed with both.

 

[bunt_q]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

I see what you did there.

But can someone explain to me what someone wearing a coonskin cap has to do with "the marginalization of women, African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans"?

Nothing. Any more than a Sioux guy dressing up like a Sioux guy offends Sioux guys. But if that's not okay, we have to be consistent, and not offend Davy Crockett and his ilk.

 

[A Shot and a Goal]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Moving on to other pursuits....DU has a home lacrosse game tomorrow night against Marquette. The Pioneers are 7-2 on the season and ranked #3 in the polls. The weather in Denver is gorgeous. This afternoon it's seventy-two degrees and the forecast high for tomorrow is seventy-four. Tickets are still available for the game at Barton Stadium. I picked up a pair of ducats earlier in the week and my wife and I plan to be in attendance on what should be a most pleasant spring evening. Hope to see some local alums and fans in attendance.

Go Pioneers! Beat the Golden Eagles!

 

[bunt_q]

Re: All Things Denver--XXXV

Moving on to other pursuits....DU has a home lacrosse game tomorrow night against Marquette. The Pioneers are 7-2 on the season and ranked #3 in the polls. The weather in DEenver is gorgeous. This afternoon it's seventy-two degrees and trhe frorecast high for tomorrow is seventy-four. Tickets are still available for the game at Barton Stadium. I picked up a pair of ducats earlier in the week and my wife and I plan to be in attendance on what should be a most pleasant spring evenin g. Hope to see some local, alums and fans in attendance.

Go Pioneers! Beat the Goden Eagles!

Umm, tomorrow night is the home opener. Good luck getting anybody who wants to go to a sporting event to go to anything else! Besides, at least until tomorrow, the Rockies are a playoff contender.