East Tennessee State’s mascot is getting a new look and you can have an opportunity to name it.
While ETSU will remain the Buccaneers, the current mascots, Bucky and Pepper, have been retired. The school felt it needed something more similar to the Bucs’ new logo.
ETSU students can play a part in the mascot’s name thanks to a “Name the Mascot Contest” sponsored by the athletic department. Whether the name is entirely new or remains the good-ole, traditional Bucky is up to you.
“We wanted something that resembled the Bucs’ new logo,” said Aaron Fielden, a student advisor to ETSU’s mascot program.
Any suggestions should be sent to the athletic department care of Associate Athletic Director Barbie Breedlove at P.O. Box 70707 before Monday. Submissions should include contact info because the winner will receive a free pizza party from Domino’s with up to five guests.
The name as well as the mascot’s new costume will be released at the end of the semester with an official unveiling this fall.
In conjunction with the unveiling of the new mascot, an effort to present the mascot to the public will also be made.
Fielden said it is important that ETSU’s mascot be seen as a positive impact on the community.
“We want it to be an ambassador for the school,” Fielden said. “Something that can give back to the community and play a bigger role. It will be doing a lot of youth appearances like “Coalition for Kids.”
In addition to the on-campus events like home games, pep rallies and during homecoming, the mascot will also make appearances at childrens hospitals, parades and block parties.
According to Fielden, this is the first time ETSU has had a mascot that will play a major role in not only sports, but off-campus events as well.
“As I far as I know, we’ve never had anything like this,” Fielden said.

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