Lewis-Clark State College students and officials are looking into having a mascot to promote school spirit, encourage attendance at athletic events, and add to a sense of unity at various other school functions.  The college hopes to have one selected, complete with costume, before the 2008-09 academic year is completed and the college is currently accepting nominations for the mascot.

LCSC will keep Warriors as its team name, LCSC President Dene Thomas said, but school officials want a culturally sensitive mascot that is in keeping with NAIA and NCAA recommendations.  LCSC has not had an official mascot or mascot/logo since the late 1960s when the school stopped using a Native American in its logo.

LCSC officials used the Seattle Mariner mascot called “Mariner Moose” as the example for what they are looking for. The Moose has nothing to do with the Mariners’ team name, but it makes a fan-friendly mascot and adds to the spirit of fun and good-natured rivalry.

Student government leaders at LCSC presented Thomas with the idea of having a mascot and it was decided to accept ideas from the public. Some of the suggestions thus far include Blue Arrows, River Rats, and Wally the Walrus.

Anyone with a suggestion can e-mail it to lcsccommunications@lcmail.lcsc.edu by Oct. 10 for it to be considered. The name must lend itself to be used with a costume and also should be in proper taste.

A committee on campus composed of LCSC students and staff will narrow the selection to a list of finalists, which will then be placed on a ballot. Voting will then take place on Nov. 4 during the general election and anyone with an active LCSC e-mail account, which is free to alumni, is eligible to vote online. More information on the voting process will be made available once the finalists are announced.