The Big Four’s Mascot Showdown: Who Will Be Standing Tall Next to the Skyscrapers of Chicago?

The Chicago Big Four have a rich tradition in how their sports names and mascots came about. However, does anyone know why there is a wolf howling for the Ramblers? Or why a dragon is fanning the Flames? Are The Blue Demons supposed to be scary? What about the Wildcats? How do all of these mascots represent their respective schools and student athletes? Whose mascot is worthy of being called Chicago’s best? This week Second City College Sports will take a look at how each of the four team’s names and mascots came to be. Second City will then crown Chicago’s best mascot after carefully analyzing each school’s history and relation to the City of Chicago.

The voting will be based on uniqueness, origins, and how representative they are to the great city of Chicago. The rating system is out of four Willis Towers.

Northwestern

Willie Dancing at a Game

Northwestern athletes went by the name “The Purple”, unofficially as the “Fighting Methodists”, until the name Wildcats came about in 1924. A Chicago Tribune reporter coined the name in an article about the men’s football team and how they came down from Evanston and looked more like wildcats than football players. Northwestern’s first mascot was a live bear cub from the Lincoln Park Zoo, named Furpaw. This little cub would be paraded around the field on game days to get the audience roaring. However, after a loosing season the team thought that Furpaw brought them bad luck and banished him from their campus. In 1947, Willie the Wildcat became the schools mascot and has been sinking his claws on the opponents ever since.

The Wildcat name is bland and universal. It’s like Springfield in a sense that every state has a city named Springfield. Sure the image of a Wildcat is terrifying but, when put together with the city of Chicago; it takes on more of an Alley Cat image. That’s not something that will strike fear in any opposing team. Although the name might have been creative in the 1920’s the Wildcats is a little too generic. However, Willie the Wildcat is good alliteration and he is worthy of some praise.

Rating:    Two and a half Willis Towers.

Loyola

Lu Pointing to the Camera

Prior to 1926, Loyola’s teams simply went by their school colors maroon and gold. That same year, Loyola’s football team travelled all across the country playing fearlessly against their opponents. This caught the medias attention and dubbed Loyola the Ramblers. Loyola’s mascot, Lu Wolf, was introduced to represent the school because the schools seal has two wolves eating over a caldron. The wolf also represents the schools Jesuit Catholic views.

A wolf in the seal and the storied history of the Rambler name gives Loyola a paw up in the contest. But when the word Rambler is mixed in with representing Chicago, a wolf is not what comes to mind. A hobo or a drifter comes to mind. Lu Wolf is a fine mascot for a team called the Wolves. However, Lu is representing a tradition that evokes images of traveling great distances and hard work. Chicago doesn’t have many wolves wandering about its streets.

Rating:   Two and a half Willis Towers.

DePaul

DIBS Pointing to the Crowd

DePaul’s team name started out as the D-Men in 1900 when their athletes wore the letter D on their jerseys. Naturally this evolved into the Demons. The introduction of the Blue came by way of a student body vote a year later. Billy was the name of the original mascot, but when the school updated its logo Billy was updated as well. The mascot currently goes by DIBS which stands for Demon In a Blue Suit.

The Blue Demons as a team name is terrifying. They haunt the opposing team’s nightmares. But when coupled with Chicago, a blue demon takes on a different meaning, the Blue and White of the Chicago Police Department, terrifying in and of itself. Also, DIBS are better known as an ice cream snack. Because of this relation, DePaul should be getting a cease and desist letter in the mail some time soon. The Blue Demon is a unique mascot, but shares the name with a delicious treat. This is not something athletes want to be thinking about come game time.

Rating:Three Willis Towers.

UIC

Sparky Throwing Up His Arms

UIC has a long history of different mascots. The original mascot for UIC was chief Chi-Illini, a spin-off of the Urbana’s Illini, when the school was located in Navy Pier. When the university was moved to its current location in 1965, on the near west side of Chicago, the school took on the name Chikas based on the Chickasaw tribe. However, chica is Spanish for girls and based on relentless taunting and politically incorrectness of naming a sports team after Native American tribe, the school was simply known as Circle. After having lost an athletic and school embodied image of spirit, the school took a student vote in 1982 to give the school a proper name. Choices included the Flames, the Skyscrapers, and the Clout. The Flames won out and has it has stuck ever since. That same year the school began to experiment with different mascots. The first was supposed to look like a flame. However the suit looked more like a tomato, so he was dubbed “Tommie the Tomato Head”. In 1986, the tomato was dropped in favor of a menacing looking dragon. Then in 1993, the name Sparky D. Dragon was given to the treacherous dragon.

UIC was worried about political correctness with the Chikas and its negative connotations. The word flame has even more negative connotations that can lead to incessant taunting. Sparky D. Dragon, a raging red dragon is a great mascot. What do dragons have? Fire! It all makes perfect sense. However put these two words together and what’s the first thing that comes to mind, Sparky the Flame. The history of the great Chicago Fire evokes pride for Chicagoans, how a city was rebuilt in the ashes of the old. However, don’t dragons start fires?

Rating: Three and a half Willis Towers.

Second City College Sports winning mascot: Sparky D. Dragon.

Sparky D. Dragon is a very unique mascot who represents more than the UIC athletes. He represents a city that was burned to the ground and then built into one of the worlds greatest cities. Sparky is a world class mascot. While the other three mascots are special in their own right, Sparky D. Dragon stands out as Chicago’s best mascot. He ignites the Flames burning passion for excellence, entertains crowds, and gets fans on their feet. Sparky is as representative for Chicago as deep-dish pizza is for Chicago.

Disagree? Vote in this weeks poll and voice your opinion on who you think is Chicago’s best mascot in the comments section.

-Article by Staff Writer: Theo Rodwan-Gordon

A Conversation with Brooke Frydendall: UIC Softball

Senior Brooke Frydendall

The UIC softball team has been one of the more successful programs in recent years. After finishing 1st in the Horizon League during the regular season, the Flames entered the 2009 Horizon League Conference Tournament with a lot of momentum. However, they fell short to Cleveland State in the Championship game. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Senior Brooke Frydendall about expectations for this season, her history with softball, and her plans after graduation.

Dan Cline: When did you start playing softball?

Brooke Frydendall: I started playing softball when I was 8 years old.

DC: Are there any professional softball players you idolize or would you say you follow baseball players more?

BF: I follow all sports in general and I would have to say that there is not one player in particular who I idolize. There are many players I enjoy watching simply to learn new things about the game and how to become a better player.

DC: What has kept you motivated over the years to continue playing into college?

BF: There has been so many times where I wanted to quit because it was so hard or it took up too much time. I just have so much passion for the game that I could never do that. I have met so many great friends throughout the years playing softball and they all have kept me motivated. It’s really fun playing with some of your best friends.

DC: Since you’re from California, what made you choose to play softball at UIC?

BF: I had a choice to either stay near home and play for a University in California or come to Chicago and play for UIC. I chose to play at UIC because I wanted to do something on my own and experience something completely different. As soon as I came out to Chicago for my official visit I fell in love with the city, and knew this is where I wanted to play and go to college.

DC: After having a new coaching staff take over last year, how do you feel they have done as they enter their second season?

BF: I enjoyed playing for the new coaches because they brought something new to the table and really made us believe we could win a conference tournament. We accomplished so many things last year which makes me really excited to start conference this year!

DC: What are your expectations on the season as you enter your senior year?

Brooke Swinging for the Fences

BF: We have so much talent this year and I have high expectations for this team. We want nothing less than to win the conference outright, then win the conference tournament [that is at home this year], and then make a run in regionals!

DC: After barely losing to Cleveland State in the Championship game last season, UIC is picked to finish 2^nd this year in the Horizon League behind them. Is there any room for improvement this season? Do you have a lot of motivation to get back and win it all?

BF: Rankings don’t mean anything. They could pick us last for all I care. We know exactly what we want to happen this season, and nothing is going to stop us from winning the conference tournament and moving on to regionals. I would love to play Cleveland State in the championship game just like last year except this year we will be the ones celebrating.

DC: How do you feel the team has been playing so far this season?

BF: We have been playing some tough competition while still doing some things really well as a team. We have shown how great of a team we are and as soon as we put all aspects of the game together, we will be great and do great things!

DC: What are your plans after graduation?

BF: If I knew the answer I’d tell you, but as of right now I’m focusing on graduating and enjoying my last season of softball.

DC: And finally, Cubs or White Sox?

BF: ANGELS!!!! haha but I’d definitely say the CUBS over the White Sox.

Article by Staff Writer:

Dan Cline

A Wildcat Chat: Brandon Precin

Brandon Precin Winning a Match

Senior Brandon Precin is normally found on the mats helping lead his team to victory in both duals and tournaments. However, this year he is redshirting, allowing for him to compete a 5th year. Even so, as a two-time Illinois State Champion in high school and a two-time All-American, wining third place in the NCAA tournament last year, Brandon Precin is a major contributor for the Northwestern Wrestling team.

Ryan: So Brandon, who or what inspired you to start wrestling?

Brandon Precin: It was a combination of things.  A few of my relatives wrestled, so my parents asked if I wanted to try it out. After watching pro wrestling on TV, I wanted to wrestle. However, upon going into the practice room, I was in for a surprise—it was quite different from what I saw on TV.

R: Four years ago, when you were choosing a college or university to attend, why did you pick Northwestern over Illinois, Central Michigan and Columbia?

BP: Northwestern offered me an opportunity to study at a great academic institution and compete at the Division 1 level. Northwestern is also close to my hometown of Orland Park, so I could still spend time with my family. My coaches, Tim Cysewski and Drew Pariano, who recruited me, have provided me with great support and I have learned so much from them.

R: It must be a great experience to be coached by Cysewski (the coach with the most wins under his belt in NU history). What changes do you expect to come with Cysewski stepping down from the head coaching position, becoming the Associate Head Coach?

BP: I do not think that much will change in the respect that Tim will still be a dedicated coach. Wrestling is Tim’s passion, and he truly cares for his wrestlers.  He is in the room everyday with us and he will still kick our butts in practice.

R: In high school you were a two-time Illinois state champion and became a two time All-American while in college. What motivates you for success?

BP: My desire to become the best is what motivates me. I enjoy the challenge and the great feeling I get after going through a hard workout.

R: In the past two years you’ve posted a Big 10 Championship Record of 5-3 and 7-1 respectively. Looking ahead to next week’s Big 10 Championship, what do you hope to accomplish?

BP: While I will not be competing in the Big 10 Championships next week due to red-shirting, I hope to help guide my teammates to success in the championship.  This week will be especially important in regards to their training. I hope to give them my best effort in their preparation. I have a few goals that I want to accomplish for next year, and winning the Big Ten Championship is one of them.  Last year I was a runner-up, so for next year I hope to improve on that finish.

R: What has your experience been like as a redshirt wrestler?

BP: As a redshirt, this year is an opportunity for growth. I want to improve on my technique as much as I can and become stronger. Also, I look forward to next year.  I am excited to compete for Northwestern again. In addition, we have a highly ranked freshman class coming in along with a few guys returning in the lineup.

R: Looking further down the road, what excites you most about the NCAA Championships this year?

BP:I am looking forward to seeing my teammates compete at the NCAA Championships. I will definitely be rooting for them. As for next year, I am looking forward to competing again at the NCAA Championships. My goal is to become a NCAA Champion.

R: What are your plans after graduation?

BP: After graduation next year, I hope to continue wrestling through freestyle and coaching. Wrestling is very important to me and it has given me many opportunities in life that I would not have had otherwise, such as going to Northwestern.

R: Overall, how do you feel about your team’s performance this year?

BP: This year has been tough due to injuries and guys out of the line up. However, the team won last week against Michigan in an exciting dual. My teammates did a great job; they battled their hearts out and wrestled with passion. It was especially important for us because it was Tim’s last dual meet as head coach.

R: Finally, Cubs or White Sox?
BP: White Sox.

Article by staff writer:

Ryan Nangle

Northwestern Wildcats’ Wild Ride into the Big Ten Tournament

The past century has been tough for the Northwestern men’s basketball program. Throughout their storied history they have yet to make it to the NCAA tournament. However, coming into the 2009-2010 season, the team has high hopes. Last season they made it to the National Invitation Tournament, but lost their first-round game to Tulsa.  Entering the season, the Wildcats looked to build off of their success, as returning standout Kevin Coble

Senior Kevin Coble

was prepared to improve on a strong 2008-2009 campaign. After the last season, Coble was in the top 10 of the Big Ten in points with 15.7 per game and 1.7 steals per game.

This season started out promising as they beat Robert Morris 78-49 in their first exhibition game. Coble had a solid game contributing 15 points and 6 rebounds, while sophomore stand out John Shurna also had a nice debut by scoring 21 points. A few days later the team got some terrible news. Coble would miss the entire season with a foot injury. Northwestern head coach Bill Carmody talked earlier this season in an interview with ESPN about the injury stating that, “Basically the bones are out of alignment [in his foot] and he needs to get this done for stability,” Carmody said, “He has no choice.” (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/ncb/news/story?id=4658281)

With their leading scorer sidelined for the season as well as fellow senior Jeff Ryan out with an ACL knee injury, the team would need to rely on its younger players to step up. However there is hope, as expressed by Northwestern fan Nic Aubert earlier this year, “I’m pumped about the new addition of freshman

Freshman Drew Crawford

Drew Crawford to the team this year. He’s really stepped up with Coble being out for the season.”

After suffering a loss to the number 10 ranked team in the nation Butler back on November 18^th, Northwestern went on a 9 game winning streak giving their young core of players inspiration. Motivation was needed because this is a team who didn’t have one player averaging double figures entering the season.

The young team began conference play on December 30^th which has been particularly tough for Northwestern this past decade. After losing their first two games to Illinois and No. 11 Michigan State, it has been a steady decline since. The team has managed to put together two 2-game winning streaks in conference play. However, things are looking better as a huge boost came when they defeated No. 6 ranked Purdue at home back on January 16^th.

A reason for the Wildcats struggle in Big Ten play has been because the conference has had at least 3 teams nationally ranked all season. Shurna

Sophomore John Shurna

has stepped up big time leading the team in scoring this season by averaging 18.1 ppg (compared to his 7.3 ppg last year). He has helped Northwestern put together an impressive non-conference resumé by going 11-1 with one game left to play against Chicago State on March 3^rd.

It has been an up and down season for the Wildcats this year. Entering the final week of regular season play, Northwestern’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament are not looking good. With a conference record of 7-10 their only way for them to make it is to win the Big Ten Tournament which begins March 11^th in Indianapolis. As of now, they are slated to play Iowa in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. They are 1-1 against the Hawkeyes this season. Nic Aubert gave his take on the team’s chances, “I’m definitely rooting for Northwestern in the Big Ten Tourney but it’s not looking good with having 4 other Big Ten schools ranked in the top 25 in the nation.” We will wait to see if this Wildcat team can scratch their way to victory.

As they head into the month of March, the Wildcats will look to put an end to their long drought. Coach Carmody has kept his team’s spirit alive with the loss of star player Kevin Coble. Every team’s goal at the end of the season is to make the NCAA tournament which consists of the best sixty-four teams in the nation. Northwestern will continue its pursuit of this lofty goal as they prepare for the Big Ten Tournament.

Northwestern Players on the Bench During a Game

Article by staff writer:

Dan Cline