Channel 9 Mentions "Boone Debate" In Newscast

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"We are the Denver Pioneers and Boone is a pioneer," DU student Caleb Severns said. "He's part of us."

Last night Channel 9 News [BTW: When they say, "9 News: Colorado's News Leader," they mean it] ran a feature on the "Boone Backlash" that is gripping our campus. A full transcript of the report is available on their website. During the report, they showed LetsGoDU and our Pep Rally photo.

The highlights:

DU spokesman Jim Berscheidt said Boone "doesn't really represent the DU of today."

"We moved on 10 years ago and the decision was made not to bring back Boone in any capacity," Berscheidt explained.

"I don't see anything offensive about him. He's just a little cartoon character," said DU student Patrick Biggers. "He looks fun-loving."

"I don't find him offensive," said DU student Katie Bird.

"I personally like him," said DU student Kristin Elliot. "He's pretty cute."

Students approached on campus Tuesday afternoon had trouble pinpointing who would be offended by the smiling cartoon character.

"He's got a full beard," noted DU student Kirsten Cangilla. "Maybe people who are afraid of facial hair?"

Part of the affinity for Boone would appear to stem from ambivalence over his replacement, Ruckus, the red-tailed hawk.

Those students who could identify their new mascot referred to it as an eagle, hawk, falcon, "prairie bird," "bird-thing" and "the red creature."

"Everyone knows Boone," said Elliot. "No one knows the bird thing."

Berscheidt said the university would allow students and alumni to use the trademarked image of Boone because DU is done with it.

"People can walk around with Boone everywhere if they want, it's just not the official logo or mascot and no money will be used to promote it," Berscheidt said. "Students and alumni are welcome to use Boone any way they wish."

DU student Caleb Severns was excited to jump off his skateboard and talk when asked about the Boone T-shirt he was wearing on Tuesday.

"We are the Denver Pioneers and Boone is a pioneer," Severns said. "He's part of us."

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Everyone knows Boone," said Elliot. "No one knows the bird thing."



/Oh, haven’t you heard?

msbdu said...

Does anyone know Jim Berscheidt email address. I want to set him straight on a few things.

dggoddard said...

Understand that Mr. Berscheidt is just a PR guy. A "mouthpiece" if you will.

That being said, if you want to "chat" with Jim, who am I to stop a freeflowing exchange of ideas.

Jim.Berscheidt@du.edu

Anonymous said...

The Channel 9 story was also summarized briefly in today's Denver Post (bylined from 9News.

The Snowball in picking up steam....

dggoddard said...

Anybody who wants to fire off emails to DU personnel just go to the directory at www.du.edu

That being said, I wrote the Chancellor an email last week and got "NADA" back in reply.

Its almost like he didn't know who the heck I am. Wonder if he knows me a little better this week?

If anyone sends an email to DU, actually gets a reply and wants to share it with us. by all means do so.

dggoddard said...

Swami,

And they said we didn't have a "Snaowballs Chance In Hell." :-)

msbdu said...

I am firing off several emails as we speak...I am sure that I won't get a response I mean I am only an alumni who supports this school financially, I am not an administrator or faculty member

dggoddard said...

MSB,

We need to get a mole into DU like in the Movie "The Departed" and then groom him or her to be Matt Damon's character. Eventually they'll become Chancellor in 20 years.

Anonymous said...

Jim Berscheidt is also known as "Birdshit"... for obvious reasons. I wouldn't say he's a mouthpiece, but more of a little monkey that dances for Carol Farnsworth and the goofballs in administration that like to just make news for the sake of being busy.

Can they not just listen to their "CUSTOMERS" and look around at schools like UND - Fighting Sioux, Notre Dame - Fighting Irish, etc etc.

Anonymous said...

I was really dissapointed by the chancellor's decision not to bring back Boone. I think the last quote says it all..."We are the Denver Pioneers and Boone is a pioneer...He's a part of us." - Caleb Severns (DU Student)

I hope the Bring Back Boone Movement doesn't stop here and that the "Bring Back Boone" chant at hockey games will still continue.

Eric J. Burton said...

anon, UND is going to lose their name, it is just a matter of time to the PC police get their way, however, I do think its silly to call Boone offensive.