Staff report
In late September, the Northern Kentucky University Athletics Department unveiled a new Victor Viking mascot, heralding its kinder, gentler makeover.
Norse Nation shifted to rebellion mode — more accurately surprised outrage — over the new look.
Athletics officials described the remake as aligning Victor with the department’s “brand identity standards” and argued for the need for a more “softened” demeanor. They also said a small committee of the athletics staff and members of the university’s marketing team moved ahead with the new Victor after a survey that drew 260 respondents.
That included ordering a new uniform, a costly investment, because the old one — used since 2005 — was just “worn down.” The suit was ordered from the Olympus Group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
See the NKyTribune’s story about the new Victor here.
On October 31, the athletics department announced on its Facebook page that Norse Nation would have “another chance” to be heard on the mascot makeover.
Now, the department has gone public — and on Facebook — with an appeal to Norse Nation to vote for one of three options.
The announcement:
“Recently we took the opportunity to re-fresh the Victor E. Viking design when we placed an order for a new costume/suit. The last costume, purchased in 2005, was falling apart and had a distinct smell from years of use at over a thousand community events, including many in hot temperatures. We’re glad we were able to get so much use out of the suit, especially given that a typical life cycle for a D1 mascot costume is three to five years, with the price ranging anywhere from $5,000-15,000 or more.
“Since introducing this new mascot, we’ve received passionate feedback from many of you. This energy has been inspiring as we head into men’s and women’s basketball seasons, which carry tons of promise and excitement. We want our loyal fans to know that your voice is important and you’ve been heard.”
According to the Facebook announcement, “additional feedback” was solicited through “a variety of channels” and a meeting held with NKU’s student leaders.
Then, starting Monday, Nov. 14 — and ending at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, an open vote is being conducted for all “NKU stakeholders” — students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members — to weigh in on the three offered options.
Results of the voting are promised “during the week of November 21.”
“The ‘original’ Victor will be used at all events until the new suit is produced . . . we can’t wait to see this passionate support transition into attendance at our games throughout the rest of the year,” said the announcement.
The three options awaiting your vote:
1. The “new” Victor E. Viking – This is the most recent suit. There will be no additional cost to continue using this version.
2. The “original” Victor E. Viking – This will be a new costume of the original Victor suit. However, NKU’s updated mark replaces the previous logos on this design. The cost of this suit will be approximately $9,045.
3. The “original” Victor E. Viking Head with “New” Victor E. Viking’s Body –This option combines two elements of feedback that were consistent among the responses; the original Victor’s face looks more fierce and indicative of the fighting spirit of NKU, and the need for a measure of fiscal responsibility. Updating the head, but using the new body will cost approximately $3,900.
To see the renderings and for your chance to vote on the new Victor, click here. You have until Friday, November 18 at 5 p.m. (ET) to cast your vote.
What a grand fashion in which to waste taxpayer dollars. The administration at NKU is in complete shambles, this mascot disaster another instance of mismanagement and stupidity. This does help shield themselves from the ongoing Jane Doe lawsuit, if nothing else. Did NKU and Jane Doe settle the suit quietly? We’ve seen nothing reported recently.
Court set mediation in the Doe case and that was held today. No report yet, and the mediation is private. There is one public deposition we have yet reported on but it’s coming. Otherwise, we can only report court action when there is some to report. And that can mean a long time between reports.
Why would you bring up a lawsuit that has nothing to do with our mascot? You are just one o those people looking to be negative and bring NKU down. This story is about a mascot, not a lawsuit. Norse Up!
As a marketing person, I can say NKU has fouled up this entire situation. They should have left the mascot as it was or hired a reputable company to do research. I understand Kenny Bothof used his buddies in Wisconsin for the design, not a good look by Kenny. I was also disappointed last week the men’s basketball team played a Division III school in a real game, not a scrimmage. I thought we had moved beyond that point as a D-1 program. I’ll continue to believe in John Brannen as coach since his brother Grant Brannen and Michael Daniele say he is doing the job. But I’m losing patience with it.
You are right about messing this up, why didn’t they do a study and everything before wasting tax dollars on some half-done costume to begin with? But why would you believe in Brannen because his brother who is the worst high school basketball coach in Ky. history at Walton, backs him up? It’s his brother, of course he says John Brannen is doing a good job.