When you think of a mascot, what comes to mind? Is it a buck-toothed beaver in a ball cap at a gas station? Or maybe a large green flightless bird? What about a snarky tree? All of these and more are the correct answers. Mascots are fun and terrifying at the same time, and every school needs one.
The lack of a mascot for the last several years at the University of Louisiana has been heartbreaking. I have been holding out hope that Cayenne, our great pepper, would be brought back in action but such has not happened. The University made a step in the right direction bringing back the Cajun Chicken during this past basketball season, but it is not enough. However, one alum may have the answer.
Cory St. Ewart, a good and creative Cajun alumnus, spent much time and effort creating what he believes is a viable option for a new spirit leader. Albineaux “Al” Boudreaux is an enthusiastic white alligator full of Cajun Pride. He is also a collaborative work in progress, as this design is not yet final. The other big push is to get the University to notice and be open to exploring this option. I feel like coming to a conclusive final design for Albineaux would be easier than getting the school on board, unfortunately.
The University needs to pick a direction and move no matter what. After the basketball season we just had, the fun in having the Cajun Chicken come back, our football program coming back and all of the other great teams we have, it would be a huge missed opportunity to continue going without a mascot. If it can’t be Cayenne, let it be Albineaux. Or whatever the final character ends up being. We need somebody!
Please find a link in the sources to Cory’s Twitter account with descriptions of his idea, as well as contact info for some of the departments at UL who would be involved with the decision-making process.
Sources:
Bayou Observant 