NCAA Tournament: New Hampshire 5 - DU 2 FINAL

The University of New Hampshire defeated DU 5-2 on Friday night in Manchester, N.H.

DU led twice in the first period, but was unable to keep out of the penalty box in the second half of the game and it cost them dearly.  UNH scored two power play goals late in the second period. 

Daniel Doremus and Nick Shore scored for DU in the first period.

PioNation Under Siege: Day 34

"The Boone image is one that many women, persons of color, international students, staff and faculty members found difficult to relate to as defining the pioneering spirit."

"I am a faculty member and have never been asked about my opinion regarding Boone, Ruckus or any other mascot. The choice of words in the email appears designed to preempt any expression of support for Boone rather than let alumni voice their own opinions. Very disappointing and not something that alumni should let slide."
- DU Faculty Member
DU Alumni: Send Mascot Emails To DU
alumni@du.edu   Attn: Christine Cecil 

Tweets From Around PioNation

News & Notes From Around PioNation

photo credit: Todd Christensen
The Denver Post previews the NCAA playoff game tonight in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Jussi Olkinoura will start in goal and the Pioneers appear rested, ready and roaring to go against the University of New Hampshire.
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The Denver Post reports that Coach Gwozdecky followed DU's 2004 practice schedule the past two weeks after DU's elimination from the WCHA playoffs.  He's hoping it pays dividends similar to the 2004 National Championship squad.
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Denver Post reporter Adiran Dater is covering the Pioneers in New Hamshire and it just so happens to be a homecoming for the scribe.  He used to cover the Pioneers during the Frank Serratore Era at DU and adds some nice recollections of watching hockey in the Granite State.
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Nick and Quentin Shore will be playing on the same line this weekend as DU trys to add some punch to its first line. Quentin will play left wing.
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Ticket sales have been brisk this weekend for the Manchester Regional that features DU, Wisconsin, Umass-Lowell and the University of New Hampshire.  Hockey East playoff champions Umass-Lowell is located less than 45 minutes away and they quickly sold out their ticket allotment and were looking for extra tickets.  UNH's Athletic Director Marty Scarano held a similar post at CC from 1996-2000.

DU Edits Mascots From Magness Arena Murals

(above) Before: Boone next to Paul Stastny
(above) After: Boone erased
(above) Before: Boone, Ruckus and Pioneer Pete
(above) After: Mascots replaced
"Boone is a part of our history, one that is treasured by many alumni and friends as a symbol of the University they knew three and four decades ago, and we are certainly an institution that honors its past."
Nothing lasts forever and when you replace your mascots as often as most people replace the tires on their automobiles, the only constant at DU is change.  The two "Spirit Murals" in Magness Arena went under the knife this week and a nice little piece of history was lost forever.

This is what happens when the line blurs between running a university and acting like a Third-World despot.

Westword Readers Name Boone "Best Mascot"

(above) Westword named "Rocky" the best mascot in Denver, but the "Reader's Poll" selected Denver Boone
The readers of Westword might not be a part of the University of Denver's fancy new focus groups designed to bring DU a new Mascot, but they voted with their hearts and named Denver Boone, "The Reader's Choice: Best Mascot in Denver."

Video: Hitler Dislikes NCAA Hockey Brackets


(above) Hitler is very upset with Boston College's bracket in the 2013 NCAA Hockey Tournament

2013 NCAA Ice Hockey Tournament

East Regional
Providence, R.I., Saturday March 30
#1 Quinnipiac vs #16 Canisius 3:30 PM [TV: ESPN3]
#6 Boston College vs. #12 Union 7 PM MT [TV: ESPNU]
Northeast Regional
Manchester, N.H., Friday March 29
 #3 Lowell vs. #14 Wisconsin 2:30 PM MT [TV:ESPN3]
 #7 New Hampshire vs. #9 Denver 6 PM MT [TV: ESPNU]* 

Midwest Regional
Toledo, Ohio, Saturday March 30
#4 Notre Dame vs. #13 St. Cloud State [TV: ESPN3]
#5 Miami vs. #11 Minnesota State  [TV: ESPN3] 

West Regional
Grand Rapids, Mich., Friday March 29
#2 Minnesota vs. #15 Yale Noon MT [TV: ESPNU]
#8 North Dakota vs. #10 Niagara 3:30 PM MT [TV: ESPNU] 

Frozen Four
Pittsburgh, April 11 and 13
East Winner vs. Midwest Winner
Northeast Winner vs. West Winner 

*DU fans interested in purchasing ticket packages can contact Nick Staehler at the Magness Ticket Office at (303) 871-7426 by 12 PM (MT) Wed. March 27.

by Mike Chambers

Coach George Gwozdecky's 19th University of Denver hockey team will forever be considered a special one. Less than a year after losing its top three forwards early to NHL deals and being slammed into rebuilding mode, the Pioneers on Sunday officially advanced to their sixth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

Denver (20-13-4), the country's only team to reach 20 wins from 2001-02 until now (12 years), is the #3 Northeast Region seed and will play #2 New Hampshire (19-11-7) on Friday (6 PM MT) in Manchester, N.H. [read entire article]

NCHC Releases Composite Hockey Schedule


The National Collegiate Hockey Conference released the league's composite hockey schedule.

The University of Denver will play non-conference games against the University of New Brunswick [exhibition], Merrimack [2 games], Niagara, Canisius & Brown at Magness Arena.

DU will play non-conference tilts against Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Anchorage, Air Force & RPI [2 games] on the road.

The NCHC schedule will feature 24 games against league teams, down from the current 28 games in the WCHA.  

DU will play home series' against UNO, Western Michigan, St. Cloud State, North Dakota & Miami-Ohio.

On the road DU will play Miami-Ohio, Minnesota-Duluth, St. Cloud State, Nebraska-Omaha, Western Michigan.

As usual DU will play two home and home series against NCHC foe Colorado College.

Lacrosse: Denver 11 - Air Force 10 FINAL OT


The #4 ranked University of Denver lacrosse team was finally was able to win a game in overtime, defeating a revitalize Air Force squad 11-10 on Tuesday afternoon at Barton Stadium. Wes Berg scored six goals, including the game-winner. 

Falcon Erik Smith tied the game at 10 with 17 seconds left to force overtime, before Berg found the net 1:04 into the overtime period. With the win, Denver moves to 6-2 overall, 2-0 in Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Air Force drops to 4-5, 0-3 in ECAC action [read entire article].

DU Coach Will Assist USA World Jr. Team Again

(above) David Lassonde will assist the USA Under-20 team in Sweden next year
Minnesota head coach Don Lucia was named head coach of the 2014 U.S. National Junior Team in an announcement made Saturday.  Boston College assistant coach Greg Brown, Denver assistant coach David Lassonde and St. Cloud State head coach Bob Motzko [a former DU assistant coach] will be Lucia’s assistant coaches with Team USA.

The 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship runs from Dec. 26, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014, in Malmo, Sweden. The U.S. is seeking its fourth medal in five years, having won gold under Phil Housley in 2013 and under Nebraska-Omaha coach Dean Blais in 2010 and the bronze medal in 2011.

Boone Hosts College Hockey Bracket Contest

Denver Boone is hosting a college hockey bracket contest.  

More details can be found on Denver Boone's Facebook Page.  Just register on the site before making your selections.

Group Name: DenverBoone
Password: boonerules
http://www.pickemhockey.com/bracket/system/join_group.php

Good Luck.

Pioneer Legend Recovers From Medical Episode

Jim Wiste
During an afternoon hockey scrimmage last Friday at Magness Arena, Jim Wiste (Class of '68) suffered a heart attack and collapsed as he was ending a shift. Quick action by several of his teammates who were trained in CPR kept Jimmy functioning until a Difibulator was brought to the ice.

A 911 first responder team arrived within 5 minutes and Jim regained consciousness shortly thereafter.

Quick action by his teammates and the medical equipment on hand at DU saved his life.  Jimmy has been able to thank Doug (The Glove!) Bell and Mike Kofsky who were brilliant performing CPR.

Doctors will implant a defibrillator on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

Joanie has been a loving and vigilant partner at his side in the hospital and taking care of business at the Campus Lounge.

Those who want to send him best wishes can do so at jwiste@aol.com.

ESPNU Will Host Sunday Night Selection Show

(above) Click on image to enlarge

The University of Denver hockey team will find out where it is heading at 7 PM MT on Sunday night during ESPNU's 2013 NCAA Ice Hockey Tournament Selection Show.

The CCHA Championship game will decide the fate of two teams on Sunday afternoon.  Michigan will play Notre Dame at Noon MT.  If Michigan wins they will make the Tournament.  If they lose, Yale will sneak in as the final "at-large" team.

Anish Shroff, Barry Melrose and Dave Starman will host the 2013 Selection Show  on ESPNU.
.

East Regional
Providence, R.I., March 30-31
#1 Quinnipiac vs #16 Canisius
#6 Boston College vs. #12 Union
.
Northeast Regional
Manchester, N.H., March 29-30
 #3 Lowell vs. #14 Wisconsin
#9 Denver vs. #7 New Hampshire 6 PM MT ESPNU
.
Midwest Regional
Toledo, Ohio, March 30-31
#4 Notre Dame vs. #13 St. Cloud State
#5 Miami vs. #11 Minnesota State

West Regional
Grand Rapids, Mich., March 29-30
#2 Minnesota vs. #15 Yale
#8 North Dakota vs. #10 Niagara

Frozen Four
Pittsburgh, April 11 and 13

Lowell Hockey Win Cliches NCAA Spot For DU

ESPN's Barry Melrose
Lowell University's hockey team defeated Providence 2-1 on Friday evening in the Hockey East playoffs.  The victory clinched a spot in the 16-team NCAA Tournament for the University of Denver.

Thanks to  other upsets in conference tournaments last night, DU continued to rise in the Pairwise Rankings eventually settling at #10.

Depending on how the conference championship games go today, DU will end up anywhere between #8 and #12.  The most like scenarios are #9 or #10.

DU will find out where they are heading and whom they will play in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday.  Anish Shroff, Barry Melrose and Dave Starman will host the 2013 NCAA Ice Hockey Tournament Selection Show at 7 PM MT Sunday evening on ESPNU.

WCHA Final Five: CC vs. Wisconsin For Broadmoor

2013 Red Baron™ WCHA Final Five
Xcel Energy Center • Saint Paul, MN

TV: Root Sports-RM & Fox Sports-MN

Thursday
 Wisconsin 7 - Minnesota State 2  FINAL
Colorado College 4 - North Dakota 3  FINAL OT

Friday, March 22
Wisconsin 4 - St. Cloud State 1 FINAL
Colorado College 2 - Minnesota 0 FINAL

Saturday, March 23
Broadmoor Trophy Championship Game
Wisconsin 3 - Colorado College 2 FINAL

Latest Pairwise Rankings

Ruslan Fedotenko Talks About Larkin Jacobson

(above) DU's Larkin Jacobson's step-father is Ruslan Fedotenko
From: NHL.com
by Anthony San Fillipo

Larkin Jacobson grew up in a hockey family.

His grandfather played college hockey.

His older brothers both play hockey. He played with brother Derek on the Janesville Jets in the North American Hockey League.

So, when Larkin was recruited to play at the University of Denver, one of the top collegiate hockey programs in the country, Jacobson moved ever-closer to his dream of playing in the NHL.

Of course, he’s been living that dream vicariously through his stepfather for the past 15 years [read entire article]

N.I.T.: Maryland 62 - Denver 52 FINAL

(above) DU student Adam Hammerman and his family were supporting the Pioneers in Maryland yesterday
From: Washington Times

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland used a small lineup to mount a big comeback in a 62-52 victory over Denver on Thursday night in the second round of the NIT.

Dez Wells scored 19 points for the Terrapins, who closed with a 23-4 run after trailing 48-39 with 9:15 left.

“Our kids battled. We didn’t want the season to end,” coach Mark Turgeon said. “Our big lineup couldn’t guard them so we went small. We went five guards.”

Wells fueled the surge with nine points. It was the sixth game in 12 days for the Terrapins (24-12), who won’t play again until next week against either Alabama or Stanford.

“We’re gassed,” Turgeon said. “Our guys just had guts. That’s a really good win for us after what we’ve been through.”

Chris Udofia scored 24 for the Pioneers (22-10), including 19 during a first half that featured three ties and 12 lead changes. But he got his third foul with 17:55 left and fourth with 8:37 to go.

“Obviously, foul trouble on Udofia was a key factor for us,” Pioneers coach Joe Scott said. “But they made the plays they had to make, they made the foul shots, and we didn’t.”

Seeking its 12th win in 13 games, Denver appeared poised for an upset as the second half wore on. It was 33-all before Marcus Byrd drilled a 3-pointer to spark a 15-6 spree that included a three-point play and a 3-pointer by Brett Olsen.

And then Maryland began its comeback with 7-foot-1 Alex Len and 6-8 James Padgett on the bench.

“We were desperate,” Turgeon said. “We couldn’t guard them. They had complete control of the game and our post guys couldn’t score against them. So we tried to spread them out, try to drive on them and get to the foul line.”

Maryland used five straight free throws to launch the decisive run. A runner by Seth Allen put the Terrapins up 51-50 with 4:09 remaining, the first time they led after halftime.

Turgeon was pressed to remember the last time he used a lineup of five guards for that long.

“I coached a JV team at Kansas where my power forward was 6-2 and sometimes he played center,” Turgeon said. “I’m sure we did it there.”

Despite the loss, Scott believed his team benefited from its two-game run in the NIT.

“The future is bright,” he said, “and this type of experience is the thing that can get you going in the direction you want to go.”

Denver Post: DU Faces Maryland Today In N.I.T.

(above) DU faces Maryland today at 5 PM MT on ESPN-U
From: Denver Post
by Irv Moss

After winning for the first time ever in NCAA Division I postseason play, the Denver Pioneers could move into uncharted water again Thursday at Maryland in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. Game time is 5 p.m. MDT and is on ESPNU.

The Pioneers (22-9) have played in three NIT's, but the 61-57 victory Tuesday night over Ohio University at Magness Arena was their first victory. Now if they beat the Terrapins (23-12), it will set a school men's basketball record of 23 victories in a season [read entire article].

N.I.T.: Denver 61 - Ohio University 57 FINAL

(above) DU wins its first N.I.T. game on Tuesday night
(above) Click on boxscore to enlarge
Denver Post Game Recap

Mile High Sports Game Recap

Blogger Picks DU To Win Region

Mile High Mids Recap & Photo

The University of Denver basketball team overcame a seven-point second half deficit to win its first ever N.I.T. postseason game at Magness Arena on Tuesday night.  The Pioneers came away with a 61-57 victory over Ohio University. 

DU will travel to College Park, Maryland on Thursday to play the University of Maryland of the ACC.

DU Sends Out Mascot Email To Alumni


The University of Denver's Alumni Relations Office sent out an email to all DU alumni on Tuesday evening containing an update on "the search for a new mascot that the entire DU community can get behind and embrace."

We applaud the university's desire to bring alumni into the process, despite the fact that the email contains glaring omissions and mistakes.

That being said, this is an opportunity to go on the record.  If you are a DU alum and wish to weigh in on this issue, contact Kristine Cecil at alumni@du.edu

Be sure to include your name, class year and contact information.

Joe Scott To Buy DU Student Tickets Tonight

(above) Despite Spring Break, Joe Scott wants the Magness Maniacs in the House tonight
FREE TICKETS FOR DU STUDENTS

The University of Denver may be on Spring Break, but University of Denver basketball coach Joe Scott has stepped up and offered to purchase tickets for all University of Denver students who show up at the Ritchie Center box office today by 5 PM with a valid DU Student ID [grad students as well].

Its a terrific gesture.
Please pass the word ASAP via social media, Facebook, Twitter, blogs & text messaging.

NCAA Tourney Mascots Violate "Coombe Doctrine"

(above) Click on image to enlarge

When the NCAA Tournament begins this week no one will be surprised to see "official" university mascots supporting their schools, pumping up their fans and mocking their opponents.  But after watching the "Boone Witch Hunt" unfold on campus in the last month, you may be surprised that many of the 68 mascots on display share many similarities with Denver Boone.

None of the mascots pictured above adhere to Chancellor Coombe's desire for a mascot that "reflects the growing diversity of their communities and the individual schools inclusive and welcoming nature."

You'll also notice that a vast majority of mascots match the school nickname, so calling ourselves the "Pioneers" and then rolling out an ox, elk, miner or astronaut would cause massive confusion.  Especially for a small school like the University of Denver which has a very weak brand nationally, and is often confused out-of-state with the University of Colorado.

None of the mascots pictured above, nor any of the other four dozen animal mascots reflect "inclusive excellence."  They are just mascots, they aren't designed to convey a political message.

DU Kicks Off NIT Tonight Against Ohio In Magness


(above) Chris Udofia Leads DU against Ohio tonight

The #3-seeded University of Denver men's basketball team will host #6-seeded Ohio University in the National Invitation Tournament First Round at Magness Arena on Tuesday at 7:15 PM MT. The game will air live on ESPN3.com.
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DU men's basketball season ticket holders can call 303-871-HOOP. The winner of Tuesday's game will advance to face the winner of #2 Maryland (22-12) and #7 Niagara (19-13).

DU Recruit Trevor Moore Leads Team In Scoring

Trevor Moore
From: StormHockey.com

Tri-City Storm forward Trevor Moore has really elevated his game during his second season in Kearney, Nebraska. Moore is currently leading the team in scoring with 54 points on 19 goals and 35 assists this season. He ranks thirteenth in the USHL in overall scoring and his 35 assists are ninth best in the league.

With nine games to go, Moore has already improved on his numbers from last season, when he had 32 points on 12 goals and 20 assists. His 55 career assists and 86 career points are fifth and eighth-best respectively in team history.

The forward said his success is partly due to a higher level of confidence this season.

“I think I’m more confident with the puck,” Moore said. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger since I’ve been here and my battling skills have improved. I’m able to hold on to the puck and I know I can make plays.”

The Thousand Oaks, Calif. native will turn 18 at the end of the monthand will as a freshman at the University of Denver this fall.

“I think Denver is a great place to play hockey and the atmosphere is unbelievable” Moore said. They’ve always been competitive and I’m looking to win a championship there.”

The school will be part of the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).

“They talk to me quite a bit,” Moore said of his future university. “They want me to keep working out and getting stronger because in college there are a lot of bigger, stronger, older guys and they want me to be able to come in and compete.”

Although he’s happy with the success he’s enjoyed this season, Moore knows there’s still work to be done.

“Right now, I just need to keep working hard,” Moore said. “It’s easier to get tired at the end of the year and get lazy but you really have to work hard and grind it out.”

DU Discounts N.I.T. Tickets To $5 Each

University of Denver Press Release
 POST SEASON IN MAGNESS ARENA
DENVER MEN’S BASKETBALL 
TIP-OFF TUESDAY NIGHT

Denver Post Game Preview

NIT TICKETS ONLY $5 with PROMO CODE – DUNIT at www.denverpioneers.com/tickets. ($2 per order fee apply)

Denver will host the National Invitational Tournament 1st Round in Magness Arena on Tuesday night.  Tip-off scheduled for 7:15pm (doors at 6:15pm).  #3 Denver Pioneers will host #6 Ohio University.  

EXPERIENCE Post Season Division I Basketball with the Denver Pioneers…create a home court advantage! Reserve your seats NOW!

WCHA Playoffs: CC 4 - DU 3 FINAL


Former walk-on goalie Juho Olkinuora climbed an improbable ladder to become the University of Denver's No. 1 goalie, but Sunday he fell to the depths of athletic despair in what could be the Pioneers' season-ending loss. 

Olkinuora scored on himself midway through the third period in what turned out to be the game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory for rival Colorado College in the deciding Game 3 of the WCHA first-round playoff series at Magness Arena [read entire article].

NIT BRACKET: DU Receives NIT Basketball Bid

(above) Click on image to enlarge

News & Notes From Around PioNation


 (above) Junior Moriah Martin scored a 10.0 on vault to lead #13 DU Gymnasics over Michigan State 

The University of Denver ice hockey team out-shot Colorado College 42-22 but Colorado College edged the Pioneers in the second game of a best-of-three WCHA playoff series 2-1 on Saturday night at Magness Arena.
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Todd Chistensen's website has many great photos from this weekend's DU vs. Colorado College playoff series.
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The Denver Post has a recap of yesterday's thrilling Mile High Classic lacrosse finale between DU and Notre Dame.  Notre Dame stunned DU in overtime 13-12 at Mile High Stadium.

Boone Photo Shoot On The Las Vegas Strip

(above) Boone took a stroll on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday night

Friday night in Las Vegas was supposed to include the University of Denver men's basketball game against New Mexico State.  Alas even the best laid plans can go horribly wrong.  So Boone went for a walk on the Las Vegas Strip and met many people from Colorado who recognized him immediately.

Denver 5 - Colorado College 3 FINAL

(above) It was a big night for the 303 as DU defeated Colorado College

Photo Credit: Todd Chistensen
 
Denver Post Game Recap 



Sophomore goalie Juho Olkinuora had 38 saves and five players scored for the University of Denver, as the Pioneers defeated Colorado College 5-3 on Friday night at Magness Arena.  The victory kept DU firmly ensconced in the middle of the projected NCAA field in the Pairwise Rankings.

Denver Post Profiles DU Hockey Player Ty Loney

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Troy Loney won two Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his son Ty, of the University of Denver, hopes to win multiple Pans with the Pioneers.

Stanley Cups and Gold Pans are huge utensils for the Loney clan.

The younger Loney, who a month ago helped DU reclaim the Gold Pan from archrival Colorado College, enters a postseason series with the Tigers this weekend. And his father will be watching [read entire article].

Westword Covers Coombe's Mascot Email

(above) Westword covers the Boone Mascot Saga
From: Westword
by Patrica Calhoun

The Chancellor "is supporting the efforts of students who came to him and asked to study having a mascot," reports spokeswoman Kim DeVigil. "I applaud the students for their initiative and desire to truly show their commitment to build on inclusive excellence-- even in the way they celebrate their school spirit."

This isn't DU's only study of past conflicts. DeVigil reports that the university has begun to meet with leaders to discuss founder John Evans's role in the Sand Creek Massacre, "to do something together that would be significant, positive and healing for everyone." The school was founded in 1864, the same year that Colonel John Chivington, a colleague of then-Territorial Governor Evans, killed at least 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho camped at Sand Creek. Northwestern University, which was co-founded by Evans before he moved West, has already undertaken a similar study [read entire article].

Video: Boone In Las Vegas At WAC Tournament


(above) Boone rushes to safety after performing near the DU bench before halftime on Thursday at the WAC Tournament

While tyranical forces move to find a replacement mascot on campus at the University of Denver, Boone went to Las Vegas to catch the WAC Tournament.

With less than seven minutes to play in the first half, Boone slipped unnoticed into Orleans Arena.  Dancing down the aisle of the DU section, an usher unwittingly allowed Boone onto the floor, while the PA system played the theme to "Rocky." Boone shadow boxed near the Pioneer bench, while flustered DU staffers scrambled on contain the rouge mascot.

Yada, Yada, Yada...Boone was warned not to go near the floor again or arrests would be forthcoming. Mission Accomplished; Boone disappeared into the Las Vegas sunset.  Soon thereafter the DU men's basketball team suffered a similar fate.

Coombe Sends Out Another Email Ripping Boone

(above) Coombe Daddy ain't giving up on his dream to give DU a crappy mascot
March 13, 2013

Dear Members of the DU Community:

All of us at DU are committed to inclusive excellence in everything that we do, as it is a major goal for the University as a whole. It’s important that we all support that goal in our actions, in our words, and in the images we associate with our community. Over the last few weeks there has been considerable controversy surrounding the “Denver Boone” figure that was our mascot some years ago. I am writing to you today in the hope of adding some clarity to this discussion, in particular regarding the University’s position on the matter. 

As you may know, “Boone” has not been the mascot of the University since 1998, and we currently do not have an official mascot. An effort to resurrect Boone was mounted by student and alumni groups in 2008, and this led to the assembly of a University committee to gather opinion from different sectors and consider the matter at length. It quickly became clear that Boone was a polarizing figure that did not reflect the growing diversity of the DU community, but rather was an image that many women, persons of color, international students and faculty members found difficult to relate to as defining the pioneering spirit. Consequently I decided at that time that Boone would not be our official mascot. The current Boone figure that is seen at athletic events is in keeping with language in a letter that I sent to the community in 2008 that allows students and alumni groups to use the image as a celebration of the past, to the extent they may choose. The figure is not used in any official manner by the University, nor do we provide any financial support for its use by others. The person in the Boone costume at athletic events is a ticket holder, and nothing more.

The Undergraduate Student Government has taken up this matter and formed a task force that will move forward with research into the possibilities for a new mascot, specifically one that reflects our identity as the Pioneers but also the growing diversity of our community and its inclusive and welcoming nature. The task force will not be evaluating support for Boone, as that matter is closed; rather, it will be looking toward a new mascot that everyone can get behind and embrace. The University has offered its support to the task force through its office of Marketing and Communications. USG plans to engage in this effort through spring quarter, with a recommendation to be forwarded to my office and the Board of Trustees. At its meeting in late February, USG voted to phase out funding from student activities fees used by clubs or student groups for materials bearing the Boone image, effective 30 days after the adoption of a new official mascot. This is a great move forward.

I believe that the action by USG provides a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our progress toward inclusive excellence. As we mount a productive conversation about a new mascot, I hope our thoughts will be forward-looking and reflective of the University that we are to become, rather than the University that we were decades ago. Ten years from now, our student population will be vastly more diverse than it is now, in a way that represents tremendous intellectual potential for the institution as a whole. The real question is whether as a community we will be vastly more inclusive than we are now, with our images and icons, and our mascot, reflective of that rich diversity and inclusiveness. We should challenge ourselves to look to that future.

Robert Coombe

WAC Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket

(above) All times listed are Pacific Time Zone

Mile High Mids Blog Questions Coombe's Email

(above) If the Mascot Task Force is looking for a fresh ideas, "Copper Coombe," the exclusive excellence mascot

That pesky basketball blogger, Brendon Loy, keeps asking questions that nobody in Coombe's Kingdom wants to answer.
And we have a few questions of our own:
  • What are the qualifications of the Mascot Task Force Committee to make such a momentous decision?
  • Coombe is rumored to be stepping down in 2014. Is the administration rushing to push this through before he departs? 
  • What other universities besides DU, allows its Chancellors to continually change the school's mascots on a whim without any input from alums & students? Ritchie retroactively changing the mascot in 1998. Coombe deciding in 2008 that Boone wouldn't be mascot despite overwhelming student popularity [87% in Clarion poll]. And now this "hand picked" Task Force that's stacked with multiculturalist allies [Provost Gregg Kvistad & his cronies]. 
  • Finally, isn't the Red-Tailed Hawk the "official mascot" of DU as decided by the Board of Trustees in 1998? If the BOT didn't eliminate Ruckus by vote; whats the problem? Boone isn't the school mascot, the Red-Tailed Hawk is.

DU Alum Jason Zucker Injured By An Illegal Hit

Correy Perry on the Anaheim Ducks will face an afternoon phone hearing today with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan over his hit Tuesday night on the Minnesota Wild's Jason Zucker. 

Zucker had tapped the puck behind the Ducks' net and was looking the other way when Perry hit him late. His shoulder appeared to make direct contact with Zucker's head. 

Zucker was on the ice for about three minutes before he sat up with assistance. 

He left the game and didn't return. In the locker room after the game Zucker was seen chatting up teammates and signing autographs but was unavailable for comment. 

Perry was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct at 4:21 of the second period.

Boone Heads To Sin City To Bring Home Hardware

After Final Exams Boone will be heading to Las Vegas with his support staff to represent PioNation and cheer on the DU Women's and Men's Basketball games later this week.

Check Boone's Facebook Page regularly to keep abreast of events and appearances in Las Vegas.

WAC Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket

(above) Click on image to enlarge

News & Notes From Around PioNation

Good luck to the DU Women's basketball team today.  They open up against Texas State in the first round of the WAC Tournament at 1 PM MT in Las Vegas.
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University of Denver bluechip recruit Will Butcher tied a USHL record on Saturday night when he posted a +7 rating in his team’s 8-5 victory over the Indiana Ice.  Butcher was on the ice for all eight of Team USA’s goals while being on the ice for just one of Indiana’s tallies.
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University of Denver recruit Nick Neville was named NAHL South Division Star of the Week after he recorded five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and was a +2 in the two road wins. 
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Mike Chambers of the Denver Post penned an article yesterday stating that the WCHA playoffs are not very important for DU this season.  He used 2004 as an example, when DU lost to Colorado College in the first round of the WCHA playoffs and then stormed home to win the National Championship in Boston.
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If you want to watch the DU women or men's basketball games in the WAC Tournament, the only way to do it is online [$7.95 per game].  WAC Website has details.

KenPom Lists DU As Favorites In WAC Tourney

Royce White
From: KenPom.com 

All-kenpom: Chris Udofia, Denver (kPOY); Royce O’Neal, Denver; Daniel Mullings, New Mexico State; Chase Hallam, Denver; Kyle Barone, Idaho.

It’s been a disappointing season for Joe Scott in one sense. The five-time coach of the slowest team in basketball has now gone two consecutive seasons without capturing that honor. This season it appears Jim Molinari’s Western Illinois squad is going to beat out Denver for the slowpoke crown. In other respects, it’s been a very good season for Joe Scott. His team has shredded most of its WAC opponents, and the Pioneers’ most recent win was a 78-54 humiliation of conference-leader Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs along with New Mexico State are legitimate threats here, but DU has to be considered the favorite.

Arizona State Hires Disney To Create Mascot

(above) Arizona State will have an updated Disney mascot next year

DU Will Face Colorado College In WCHA Playoffs

(above) Matt Tabrum may not have factored Spring Break into the equation
Its fitting that the final WCHA games to ever be played in Colorado will pit Colorado College against Denver.  CC and DU will square off in the first round of the best-of-three WCHA playoffs beginning Friday in Denver.

The winner will advance to the WCHA Final Five in St. Paul, Minnesota.