|
|
|
Forum Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/8/2008 9:58:09 PM
Posts: 570,
Visits: 1,271
|
|
Review Proposal To Unify Western Athletic Team Names
Western Illinois University President Al Goldfarb is reviewing a proposal to unify the athletic team names to Leathernecks.
Goldfarb held an initial meeting today (Sept. 26) with coaches from Western women’s and men’s athletic teams. He plans future sessions to discuss the proposal with WIU student-athletes, Western Athletic Club members and campus leadership groups. The proposal was brought forward by Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson and Athletic Director and Assistant Vice President for Student Services Tim Van Alstine on behalf of requests they receive annually from women’s teams coaches and players.
“The proposal to unify names must be considered in the context of the history and tradition of women’s and men’s athletics at Western,” Goldfarb said. “It is important to consider all points of view and obtain broad-based input before a decision is made on an issue with such significance within our athletic programs.”
Goldfarb and Director of Equal Opportunity and Access Cathy Couza seek input from the campus community, alumni and others through e-mail submissions and a voluntary web-based survey available at
http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/survey/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=8J32NF
Currently, WIU women's teams are named Westerwinds, and men's teams are named Leathernecks. In 1927 Western first used the Leathernecks name for men’s athletic teams. In 1977 the Westerwinds name was established for women's intercollegiate athletics teams.
Go Leathernecks !!
Go Westerwinds !!
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:29:39 PM
Posts: 366,
Visits: 1,693
|
|
Sounds like a solid proposal. Never really understood why had 2 names for our sport's teams unless Leathernecks is considered too masculine for our women's teams.
B-Ball Fan
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/8/2008 9:58:09 PM
Posts: 570,
Visits: 1,271
|
|
I really don't think that we need to poll/survey the entire Univeristy community about this proposed name change.
Just ask the current female athletes for their opinions. And go with their advice. Plain and simple!
Go Leathernecks !!
Go Westerwinds !!
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 4:54:21 PM
Posts: 574,
Visits: 658
|
|
I agree. If the athletes and coaches want to be called Leathernecks- then go with it. I never followed the reasoning for the separate name anyway.
Also, there is no need for meetings to adopt this. However, anyone who has been in education- especially higher education- knows you must have four meetings to discuss the last meeting etc. etc. etc. This can be handled in the athletic department with some input from the university community- but don't drag it out .
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 1:26:24 AM
Posts: 151,
Visits: 716
|
|
I think in the article on the WIU website, it does say they will talk with the Women's sports administrators and later on the coaches and the players.
I dunno. I don't see why they have to make both sports teams have the same name.
I felt the same way back in 1977 when they came up with the new name for the Women's teams. Back then I asked, "What the heck is a Westerwind anyway?" I still don't have a clue.  Anyway, eventually the name grew on me and I don't see why it necessarily has to be dropped.
Besides, a women's team with the name "Leatherneck" or even "Lady Leatherneck" just doesn't sound right. To me it conjures up a squad full of ladies dressed S&M gear. Then again, perhaps I am a bit warped anyway. 
Joe C.
---
No system is foolproof since fools are so clever..
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 4:54:21 PM
Posts: 574,
Visits: 658
|
|
Yes, BRGJOE you are warped-just kidding-
I say if the women's coaches want it, the players want it and the athletic department/council wants it- then let them be called Leathernecks. I don't believe the WAC, teachers union,state employees union,all campus clubs, all residence halls, Greek system,performing arts, all department heads,all non faculty,vendors, and the Goldfarb's dog need to be asked their opinions. Don't drag it out. Who cares what the Western Athletic Club members think. All they are interested in is seeing their names listed in the game programs. (just kidding-I think)Too many meetings and input will only lead to feet dragging.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:29:39 PM
Posts: 366,
Visits: 1,693
|
|
I'm a WAC Member and proud of it. I said earlier that I never knew why needed 2 names unless Leathernecks is considered too masculine for the Ladies teams.
B-Ball Fan
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 4:54:21 PM
Posts: 574,
Visits: 658
|
|
| No offense intended to WAC members. My wife and I contribute to the athletic department. Don't know if that makes us WAC members or not. Doesn't matter either way, as long as they get some money.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/8/2008 9:58:09 PM
Posts: 570,
Visits: 1,271
|
|
It looks like the Univeristy is intending to eliminate the "Westerwinds" name for the female teams. All teams will be called "Leathernecks".
I say this because the Univeristy is running a commercial on KHQA-TV-7 (Hannibal/Quincy). It is to promote the current football season. But it ends with "One WESTERN. All Leathernecks".
This looks to me like the Univeristy wants to unify all sports teams under the "Leatherneck" umbrella.
Perhaps that is a good idea.
Go Leathernecks !!
Go Westerwinds !!
|
|
| |