Back to the Drawing Board: Saint Louis Billikens to Redesign Mascot Again
After an attempted redesign of their mascot was received harshly, Saint Louis University will give the Billiken another makeover.
After just a short reign (of terror?), it appears that the newest incarnation of the Saint Louis University Billiken mascot has been retired. The university revealed a new mascot at a soccer game on September 20, but after it received virtually unanimous criticism from media, students, and former athletes alike–the Billiken’s new Facebook profile picture, which was posted on the 20th, received 77 comments, all of which were negative, and more angry and sad reaction emojis than likes–the school announced plans for a change on Tuesday.
University President Fred Pestello tweeted a video early Tuesday afternoon in which he consulted animals at the Saint Louis Zoo for opinions on qualities that the new Billiken should embody:
Received some advice on a new Billiken Mascot. You are not going to believe it! WATCH pic.twitter.com/7P3U9GrODj
— Fred P. Pestello (@SLUPresident) October 4, 2016
The profile photos on the Billiken’s social media accounts were also reset to the athletic department’s official logo, with the Facebook picture including a caption that stated “Best friends are honest when your look isn’t on point. Thanks for letting me know I’m due for another makeover.”
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The mascot redesign followed a university-wide rebrand last November, during which both the university and the athletic department changed logos. The mascot’s new face was intended to match that of the Billiken in the new logo, but after it became clear that it scared both children and adults alike, the university obviously felt compelled to make changes.
With basketball season right around the corner, it’d make sense for the new new Billiken to make his debut right around the time that the hoops squad kicks off its schedule.
The men’s team has a preseason game against Greenville at Chaifetz Arena on November 4 before beginning the regular season against Ball State on November 11.