Honoring Heritage: A Comprehensive Look at the University of Utah's Mascot History
The University of Utah's mascot history is a complex narrative, intertwined with the story of the Ute Tribe, the evolution of societal attitudes towards Native American representation, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding cultural appropriation versus appreciation. From its early days as the "Crimson" to its current identity as the "Utes," the university's mascot has been a subject of debate, adaptation, and ultimately, a unique partnership with the Ute Indian Tribe.
Early Years and the Rise of "Utes"
Established in 1850, the University of Utah initially lacked a distinct athletic identity. It wasn't until 1927, with the opening of a new stadium and the growing popularity of its football team, that the university began to embrace the "Utes" name. A dedication program for the 1927 homecoming game featured a Native American in a headdress, alongside illustrations of Indians and a new student cheer: "You-u-u-u Redskins, Fight! Fight! Fight!" By 1929, the school yearbook, The Utonian, solidified the name, further incorporating images of Indian chiefs at the stadium entrance.
However, this adoption occurred without consulting the Northern Utes, the tribe most closely associated with the name. In 1947, Quentin Kolb became the first Ute (and believed to be the first Native American) to graduate from the university. Simultaneously, a racist cartoon mascot, "Ho-Yo," emerged, prominently featured in publications and events, further complicating the university's representation of Native American culture.
"Ho-Yo" and Growing Concerns
The 1940s and 50s saw the widespread use of "Ho-Yo," a caricature of an Indian boy, as an unofficial mascot. Fraternities and sororities incorporated "Ho-Yo" into their decorations, alongside figures like "Big Chief Alumni," perpetuating stereotypical and often derogatory imagery. In 1951, a group of Ute students from the Uintah and Ouray Reservation enrolled at the university, prompting the student newspaper to remark that the school's mascot would "at last have some country cousins on campus."
By 1960, the university's parade floats included students dressed as Indians chasing a cowboy, with taglines like "Hoyo burn 'um Cowboys." Game attendees often sported "war paint" and headdresses. Newspapers used terms like "Redskins," "Injuns," and "scalping" in their sports coverage.
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The Turning Point: Protests and Consultations
The 1970s marked a turning point. In 1970, law professor George S. Grossman criticized the "extremely objectionable" depictions of American Indians in a newspaper advertisement. He urged the university president to drop the Native name, but the request was declined. Grossman's protest led the faculty advisory committee to ban the sale of items with comic characterizations of the Utes, including "Ho-Yo," at the campus bookstore. Eight Native students also voiced their opposition to the "degrading" name, resulting in a ban on Indian artwork in sports programs and, later, across the entire campus.
For the first time, the university administration sought consultation with the Ute Tribe. Tribal leaders expressed their disapproval of caricatures and the wearing of sacred items like headdresses by athletes. However, the tribe generally supported the university's use of the "Utes" name, asserting their sovereign right to approve its use.
Formalizing the Partnership: The 1972 Agreement
In 1972, the university and the Ute Tribe entered into their first formal agreement, with the school promising to eliminate the use of "Redskins." In 1975, the circle and feather logo, designed by Ute leader Lacee Harris, was adopted, symbolizing the circle of life and incorporating eagle feathers, important tribal symbols.
The "Crimson Warrior" and Renewed Concerns
Despite progress, challenges persisted. In 1980, the university attempted to boost "Ute pride" by having a Ute student in a headdress ride onto the field before games. However, the initiative was short-lived. In 1985, inspired by Florida State University's "Chief Osceola," the university created the "Crimson Warrior," a student dressed as a Ute riding a horse. The Ute Tribe initially supported the idea, but concerns arose when non-Ute students, including a Navajo student and later white students, filled the role. Tribal chairperson Luke Duncan warned the university to drop the "Crimson Warrior."
By 1991, the university distributed "Standards for Appropriate Fan Behavior" to discourage red face paint, headdresses, and the "tomahawk chop." In 1993, the "Crimson Warrior" was permanently retired, and the university considered abandoning the "Utes" mascot altogether.
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Frustration and the Emergence of "Swoop"
By 1995, only three Ute students attended the university. Tribal leaders expressed frustration with the lack of support for their students in exchange for using the tribe's name. The tribe requested 10 tuition waivers for Ute students, but the university declined.
In 1996, the tribe's attorneys demanded recompense for "decades of character-appropriation," requesting 20 scholarships and a public apology. University President Arthur K. Smith refused, stating that there would be no quid pro quo and that the use of the Ute name should not be seen as reparation. Discussions reached an impasse, and the university introduced "Swoop," a red-tailed hawk, as its new mascot.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Era
The early 2000s saw a renewed focus on collaboration. In 2003, the university and the Ute Indian Tribe developed their first written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), granting the university permission to use the tribe's name and imagery. In return, the university was expected to support Ute Tribe children in pursuing education, with the goal of increasing the number of Ute scientists, engineers, technicians, and business professionals. The MOU also included financial assistance for Ute students, though without specific promises.
In 2005, the NCAA listed the University of Utah among 18 colleges and universities with "hostile or abusive" Native mascots. The Ute Tribe wrote a letter supporting the university's use of its name, leading the NCAA to grant permission for continued use. However, former education director for the tribe Forrest Cuch suggested that the NCAA appeal should include "some financial consideration."
Challenges and Adjustments to the MOU
Despite the MOU, challenges persisted. In 2006, the university did not offer Ute-specific scholarships, leading tribal leaders to express feelings of being misled. In 2011, the university announced the phasing out of the circle and feather logo in favor of the Block U.
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In 2013, the Indigenous Students and Allies for Change launched a petition to end the use of the Ute name and logo, citing continued racist behavior at games. The Ute Tribal Alumni Association, however, pushed back, arguing that eliminating the logo and name would be "worse than disrespectful; it would be cruel."
Renewed Agreements and Increased Support
In 2014, the MOU was renewed, marking a significant milestone with the university's agreement to provide scholarships for Ute students. The initial requirement was two scholarships per year, up to $8,000. The "Ute Proud" games were launched, featuring tribal members performing and sharing their culture.
In 2016, an addendum removed the specific number of scholarships, with the tribe hoping for more awards. The university hired a liaison to work between the university and the tribe, supporting K-12 efforts on the reservation and assisting Ute students in applying for college.
In 2020, the MOU was updated to include teaching incoming students about the Ute Tribe's history and culture during orientation. The tribe also received $100,000 per year from the university to support its K-12 students, with the goal of increasing college attendance among Ute youth.
Current Status and Future Directions
As of 2022, the Ute Tribe requested two addendums to the MOU: expanding scholarships to non-enrolled members and providing a list of high school seniors for the university to work with, but the university declined to add either of them to the agreement.
The University of Utah's mascot history reflects a long and evolving relationship with the Ute Indian Tribe. While the university has faced criticism for its past representations of Native American culture, it has also taken steps to foster a respectful and collaborative partnership with the Tribe. The ongoing dialogue and adjustments to the MOU demonstrate a commitment to honoring the Ute Tribe's heritage and supporting its future generations through education.
The university's journey has involved retiring offensive imagery like "Ho-Yo," adopting the circle and feather logo, and engaging in discussions about the appropriateness of the "Utes" name. The formal agreements, particularly the MOUs, have solidified a commitment to providing scholarships, cultural education, and ongoing support for the Ute Tribe.
The University of Utah's mascot history serves as a case study in the complexities of cultural representation, the importance of collaboration with Native American tribes, and the ongoing pursuit of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment within collegiate athletics.
Mascots in Utah: A Broader Perspective
The University of Utah's mascot evolution is not unique within the state. Other Utah universities have also undergone changes and adaptations to their mascots:
- Brigham Young University (BYU): BYU transitioned from live cougar cubs to the costumed "Cosmo," who has evolved over the years with updates to his appearance and increased mobility.
- Southern Utah University (SUU): SUU's "Thor the Thunderbird" replaced the "Broncos" to avoid mascot overlap with other agricultural schools.
- Utah State University (USU): USU's "Big Blue" evolved from a live bull painted blue to a more functional costumed mascot.
- Utah Tech University: Utah Tech, formerly Dixie State, went through multiple mascot changes, including "Rodney the Rebel," "Reb the Red Hawk," and "Ragin' Red," before settling on "Brooks the Bison."
- Utah Valley University (UVU): UVU's "Willy the Wolverine" remains a mascot of somewhat mysterious origin, as wolverines are not native to Utah.
- Weber State University (WSU): WSU's "Waldo the Wildcat" emerged from a football player's nickname and replaced a live wildcat that bit a cheerleader.
These examples highlight the diverse and evolving nature of mascots in Utah's higher education landscape, reflecting changing attitudes and priorities.
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