The Enduring Legacy of the Colonel: A History of Eastern Kentucky University's Mascot
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in Richmond, Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1906. A significant part of EKU's identity is its athletic program, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, a prominent member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Colonels compete in NCAA Division I, primarily in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) since 2021-22. Their football team participates in the United Athletic Conference (UAC), a football-only merger of the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) that began in 2023. For 73 years before joining the ASUN, EKU was a charter member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The university's colors are maroon and white, and its mascot is The Colonel.
Tradition and Transformation: The Colonel Through the Years
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels logo has maintained a consistent color scheme since the 1960s, but the logo's shape underwent a significant overhaul in the early 2000s. In 1974, the mascot was depicted as a caricature drawing of a man holding a flag and a badge, both in burgundy with white letters. The flag bore the letters 'EKU,' while the badge displayed the letter 'E.' The current logo features a stylized colonel with flowing hair. In 2017, the team opted to use a purple acronym of their name, featuring soft, tilted letters with minuscule serifs and a long triangle underneath.
Athletic Prowess: A Legacy of Championships
The Colonels have a tradition of success in various sports, particularly football. The football program has won 20 OVC titles and two Division I-AA National Championships in 1979 and 1982. Much of this success occurred under the leadership of head coach Roy Kidd, who was with the team from 1964 to 2002. In 1990, EKU honored Kidd by naming the school's football stadium Roy Kidd Stadium. In 2008, with a win over Southeast Missouri State University, Eastern's football team secured their 31st consecutive winning season. The Colonels have appeared in the NCAA tournament eight times.
Football and Basketball: Pillars of EKU Athletics
Football is often named among the university’s most successful programs. Basketball is also a key component of EKU's athletic offerings, with both men's and women's teams. The men's team has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances and is currently coached by A. W. Hamilton. The women's team has won the Kentucky Women's Intercollegiate Conference Tournament five times. Samantha Williams became their head coach in 2019. The home arena for both basketball teams is the Alumni Coliseum on campus.
The Colonel: More Than Just a Mascot
The EKU Colonel represents more than just a symbol for a sports team; it embodies the university's values and traditions. However, the image of the Colonel has faced scrutiny and debate, similar to other college mascots with potentially problematic connotations. Some view the Colonel as an "anachronistic manifestation of a historical memory of Kentucky's past that never really was," while others defend it as a symbol of honor and tradition.
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Similar debates have occurred at other institutions. For example, the University of Mississippi replaced their "Old Reb!" mascot with a black bear following allegations that the colonel was a relic of southern slavery and white supremacy. Eastern Kentucky University also faced internal debate after a former history professor challenged the colonel as "anachronistic" and a "relic."
Defending the Colonel: Tradition and Honor
Despite these challenges, the EKU Colonel has persisted as the university's mascot. Some argue that the Colonel is not as overtly derogatory as other mascots, such as the Washington "Redskins." Supporters also point to the state's continued use of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as its highest civic honor, reserved for outstanding citizens.
Game Day Traditions: Celebrating Colonel Pride
EKU boasts several game-day traditions that foster a sense of community and Colonel pride. These traditions include:
- Pep Rallies: City Fest & Maroon Platoon Pep Rally is a tradition with vendors from around Richmond and activities while getting pumped up for the first home game of the football season. The event will be highlighted by the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band.
- Colonel Corn Roast: This is a homecoming week tradition with treats and activities while getting pumped up for the big game with words from the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band. Attendees also get to meet the Homecoming Court.
- Tailgating: Tailgating prior to EKU home football games is a long time cherished game day tradition that brings our fans together. Parking lots transform into lively gathering spaces filled with team colors, food, music, and friendly conversation. More than just a pregame activity, tailgating creates a sense of community and pride, setting the tone for the energy and camaraderie that carries into the stadium
- Colonel Walk: The Colonel Walk takes place 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to kick off where fans, friends and family greet the team as they walk into Roy Kidd Stadium. The walk includes a vibrant atmosphere with the EKU Cheer and Dance teams
- Pre-game Band Performance: The Marching Colonels also known as the “Pride of Kentucky”, will host a pre-game band performance in Earle Combs Stadium 1 hour prior to kickoff. The event is free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating.
- Head for the Hill - Team Runout: Prior to kickoff; students are invited to the hill to welcome to the team as they run down.
- Firing The Cannon: Firing the cannon after touchdowns became a strong tradition, particularly during the successful years under Coach Roy Kidd (1964-2002). The Cannon is also fired at other various times including 30-minute prior to kickoff, as the team runs down the hill, after wins and more.
- Cabin on The Hill: For more than 40 years, EKU Football has celebrated each gridiron victory with its own heart-felt rendition of Cabin on the Hill, a country tune made famous by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. This song was first sung in the Eastern locker room beginning in 1967 by linebacker Paul Hampton who came to EKU from Belfry, Ky.
These traditions contribute to the unique atmosphere and sense of belonging that define the EKU experience.
EKU's Mission: Education, Scholarship, and Service
Eastern Kentucky University is committed to providing intellectual and cultural opportunities that foster scholarship, understanding of American democracy, and responsible citizenship. The university emphasizes high-quality instruction, scholarship, and service. Through its colleges and schools, EKU offers instruction at various degree levels in general education, the arts, the sciences, business, education, pre-professional and professional areas, and applied and technical disciplines. The university also provides service to the community and the region through consultative services, continuing education, and its extended campus.
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