A NEW JONATHAN

[Santini35]

Great spin by UConn on this. Almost like they got the advise from the higher ups in Washington DC. They get the marked Husky mascot they always intended to select and countered some of the "the new husky is too aggressive" BS by saying the breeder was told to select the dog with the best temperament regardless of color.

You do realize that this is NOT the first Jonathan to be retired of this???

"Jonathan V was retired early because he cowered in the presence of large crowds - a distinct liability at football games and other such events. And as the search for a replacement was underway, the first costumed-mascot appeared in 1964."

"Jonathan XII made his debut in 2001. He continued the UConn tradition of being an majestically brilliant all white husky that was cared for by Alpha Phi Omega. Jonathan XII was unable to deal with large crowds, and seemed stressed with being surrounded by large crowds.[6] This became an issue because of UConn growing athletic prowess at the time. During Jonathan XII's tenure, UConn football became a Division I-A football team that played at a 40,000 seat stadium. UConn men's basketball won a National Championship, and UConn Women's basketball won 3 National Championships. All of the heightened interest caused Jonathan XII distress, so he was retired."


but no it's all some high level conspiracy to ruin our tradition...

 

[BlueMAB]

I've never seen so much complaining and moaning about a picture of an adorable puppy. You people need help.

What do you mean "you people"?

 

[freescooter]

Warde just announced that Nike has written new words to the Fight Song to reflect the impressive changes he brought to UConn Athletics. Changes are minor.
U Conn Husky, symbol of might to the foe.
Fight, fight Connecticut UConn, it's victr'y, Let's go
ConnecticutUConn U Conn Husky, victr'y again for the White and Blue and Red and Grey and whatever other Color we decide to use from time to time
So go, go, go Connecticut, UConn, UConnConnecticut U. Hi!
C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I C-U-T U-C-O-N-N. Connecticut UConn,UConn UConn
ConnecticutUConn Husky,
ConnecticutUConn Husky, ConnecticutUConn U C-O-N-N-U. Hi! (repeat)

They are also working on a rewrite to the Alma Mater. They are having a problem with the name, "Old Connecticut." Susan prefers "New UConn" but Nike wants "Nike UConn" They agree that the final line will be changed from "our fairest White and Blue" to "our fairest White, Blue, Red, Grey, Silver, Black, and maybe some Mauve and Puce if we think it looks kewell."

 

[BHusky]

"Jonathan V was retired early because he cowered in the presence of large crowds - a distinct liability at football games and other such events. And as the search for a replacement was underway, the first costumed-mascot appeared in 1964."

"Jonathan XII made his debut in 2001. He continued the UConn tradition of being an majestically brilliant all white husky that was cared for by Alpha Phi Omega. Jonathan XII was unable to deal with large crowds, and seemed stressed with being surrounded by large crowds.[6] This became an issue because of UConn growing athletic prowess at the time. During Jonathan XII's tenure, UConn football became a Division I-A football team that played at a 40,000 seat stadium. UConn men's basketball won a National Championship, and UConn Women's basketball won 3 National Championships. All of the heightened interest caused Jonathan XII distress, so he was retired."


but no it's all some high level conspiracy to ruin our tradition...[/quote]

You took that a bit more seriously than my tongue in cheek post was meant to be taken. Yes, I do realize that they retire the live mascots and they did not retire this one to simply get a new Jonathan that resembles the new mascot. But it is not coincidence that the dog with the "best temperament" just so happens to look just like the new logo. I am not a Traditionalist fighting to retain the old Jonathan logo and could care less even if these students or breeder did not make the decision.

 

[BlueMAB]

Warde just announced that Nike has written new words to the Fight Song to reflect the impressive changes he brought to UConn Athletics. Changes are minor.
U Conn Husky, symbol of might to the foe.
Fight, fight Connecticut UConn, it's victr'y, Let's go
ConnecticutUConn U Conn Husky, victr'y again for the White and Blue and Red and Grey and whatever other Color we decide to use from time to time
So go, go, go Connecticut, UConn, UConnConnecticut U. Hi!
C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I C-U-T U-C-O-N-N. Connecticut UConn,UConn UConn
ConnecticutUConn Husky,
ConnecticutUConn Husky, ConnecticutUConn U C-O-N-N-U. Hi! (repeat)

They are also working on a rewrite to the Alma Mater. They are having a problem with the name, "Old Connecticut." Susan prefers "New UConn" but Nike wants "Nike UConn" They agree that the final line will be changed from "our fairest White and Blue" to "our fairest White, Blue, Red, Grey, Silver, Black, and maybe some Mauve and Puce if we think it looks kewell."

 

[BHusky]

Warde just announced that Nike has written new words to the Fight Song to reflect the impressive changes he brought to UConn Athletics. Changes are minor.
U Conn Husky, symbol of might to the foe.
Fight, fight Connecticut UConn, it's victr'y, Let's go
ConnecticutUConn U Conn Husky, victr'y again for the White and Blue and Red and Grey and whatever other Color we decide to use from time to time
So go, go, go Connecticut, UConn, UConnConnecticut U. Hi!
C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I C-U-T U-C-O-N-N. Connecticut UConn,UConn UConn
ConnecticutUConn Husky,
ConnecticutUConn Husky, ConnecticutUConn U C-O-N-N-U. Hi! (repeat)

They are also working on a rewrite to the Alma Mater. They are having a problem with the name, "Old Connecticut." Susan prefers "New UConn" but Nike wants "Nike UConn" They agree that the final line will be changed from "our fairest White and Blue" to "our fairest White, Blue, Red, Grey, Silver, Black, and maybe some Mauve and Puce if we think it looks kewell."

Not sure where you are getting your info, but you may be misinformed. I am told through a credible source that Manual and Susan left this decision up to the Music Committee which is a 4 student panel. They gave full discretion to the Interim Dept Head in the Music Department with the only request that the new words be easiest to sing. It has nothing to do with branding.

 

[freescooter]

I'm sure this new dog is a fine dog. But UConn has a tradition of having a while husky. Clearly Nike had no idea of that when they designed Donald. And Ward either didn't know or didn't care...my guess is both. The new design, like the new dog are just completely generic. Northeastern, Washington, Southern Maine, Northern Illinois, St Cloud State, Michigan Tech...ours was unique. Now its just one of many, though actually it is worse than most.

 

[UConnDan97]

I'm a very sentimental sap who steeps himself in the traditions of the greatest university in the world. So naturally, I hate this move. I hate it because it goes against 70+ years of the history and brand recognition that we had built up. I also hate it because it was clearly done on purpose (the line about the dog's temperament is beyond ridiculous).

So if that makes me whiny, or "you people", or whatever, so be it. Most folks on the board know that I'm almost always uber-positive, sometimes to a fault. So I feel no remorse in taking this opportunity to be whiny...

 

[HuskyHawk]

Kids are somehow more attracted to the all white dog? Really? That's utter nonsense. Kids like dogs...nice dogs, and they will like this one just the same. He's a great looking pup and I'm sure he will serve well as our mascot. Change happens, get over it. I'm a traditionalist in most things and don't find this at all offensive to our traditions. If our colors switch to green and gold and our mascot becomes a Mallard, I'll definitely complain.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Looks like a Husky to me.

 

[Penfield]

Some people will not care what the new husky looks like. Some people will.

Here is my proposal -

3 Husky Dog mascots. Jonathan, Homer, & Wilbur. The 1st costumed Husky was called Homer & Wilbur is of course for Wilbur Cross.

The 3 Huskies will be different color combinations. People who like the old and people that like the new can all be happy. No worry about the logo, costumed mascot, and live mascots not matching. Also could have more than 1 costumed mascots so the old one can be left as is.

The 3 huskies can be used to pull a sled that leads the football team onto the field.

 

[Dove]

Question: Why use a breeder south of the Mason-Dixon? Aren't there any quality breeders of Siberian Huskies in state or closer to home? Did the selection committee do any fact checking with the AKC or the organizers of the Governor's Foot Guard Dog Show?

From Arkansas?!?! Going by the kind of doofy face I hope it ain't an in-breed.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I'm sure this new dog is a fine dog. But UConn has a tradition of having a while husky. Clearly Nike had no idea of that when they designed Donald. And Ward either didn't know or didn't care...my guess is both. The new design, like the new dog are just completely generic. Northeastern, Washington, Southern Maine, Northern Illinois, St Cloud State, Michigan Tech...ours was unique. Now its just one of many, though actually it is worse than most.

Or maybe the administration just feels the mascot and logo should match.

 

[2UCONN04]

I like it!

 

[Santini35]

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Darn Nike conspiracy making us watch adorable videos of a puppy. Don't they understand tradition?!

.....the new helmets suck!

I think I've figured out how to blend in with the people who are afraid of change on this board....

 

[Penfield]

Darn Nike conspiracy making us watch adorable videos of a puppy. Don't they understand tradition?!

.....the new helmets suck!

I think I've figured out how to blend in with the people who are afraid of change on this board....

I think the conspiracy thing is a little far fetched, but I do agree with you on the helmets.

 

[DW4UCONN]

Darn Nike conspiracy making us watch adorable videos of a puppy. Don't they understand tradition?!

.....the new helmets suck!

I think I've figured out how to blend in with the people who are afraid of change on this board....

That's BS or you are using sarcasm . I'm catching on to you.

That is one good looking puppy though. I'd say it is an improvement, just like this new helmet design would be

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I think the conspiracy thing is a little far fetched, but I do agree with you on the helmets.

I figured the sarcasm was thick enough to get across even on a message board

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Penfield]

I figured the sarcasm was thick enough to get across even on a message board

I guess mine wasn't thick enough either

 

[Srqhusky]

The new Jonathan is a beast and I like it. Go new Jonathan

 

[CL82]

I read that, I believe, three previous Jonathans have been non-all-white Huskies. In this case, they were going to go with whatever one of the litter had the best temperment.

Considering the recent history with the Jonathan previous to this retiring one, which was not good around crowds at ALL, I can totally understand their concern. Best scenerio for all involved.

Read part 2 it shows the full history, they were all white. Here's the most recent:

and the one prior:

It's not a big issue for me, but you've got this distinct tradition going of an all white husky that had become recognizable to school. Why mess with that? Update it, like Penfield's husky but leave it all white. Now they are getting a visually different live mascot (which I believe they said would not be changed) and the next will be the costume. Generally it is a bad idea to throw away brand recognition. That said, the decision's been made, I can live with it. I just call BS when they say oh we just picked the calmest pup, just like always, oh and it just happened not to be white for the first time in 78 years just after the we changed the mascot. Just say this is the next step in our rebranding and leave it at that.

I'll leave it alone though.

 

[CL82]

Darn Nike conspiracy making us watch adorable videos of a puppy. Don't they understand tradition?!

.....the new helmets suck!

I think I've figured out how to blend in with the people who are afraid of change on this board....

Is it just name call and be a [word that rhymes with quick]? Just wondering.

 

[pj]

That's BS or you are using sarcasm . I'm catching on to you.

That is one good looking puppy though. I'd say it is an improvement, just like this new helmet design would be

I was wondering why they had so many shots of the dog from the nose up, instead of centering him on the screen. I figured they were concealing his bowel movements, but now I know it's to prepare us for the new helmets! Clever Nike!

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Is it just name call and be a [word that rhymes with quick]? Just wondering.

I didn't call anyone names, but you did. Just having a bit of fun with everyone, guess this is a real serious issue with you though. No joking, got it... I'll be super, duper serious from now on.

 

[CL82]

I didn't call anyone names, but you did. Just having a bit of fun with everyone, guess this is a real serious issue with you though. No joking, got it... I'll be super, duper serious from now on.

Geez why so serious? I just asked a question. Obviously you take this board way too seriously. We are all just here to have some fun, right?

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Geez why so serious? I just asked a question. Obviously you take this board way too seriously.

There's that laid back spirit I like to see!

 

[Palatine]

It like suddenly changing the Duke Devil to red.

No one would do that because it sacred. But the Husky, do whatever you want, it's only UConn.

 

[pepband99]

Erm, no, it's nothing like that, unless you think our name is the UConn White Huskies.