Concerned about Viking mascot
Today my e-mail greeted me with a cheerful duck wearing a green jacket, carrying a football, and inviting me to join him/her at the Alamo Bowl when the No. 15 Oregon Ducks play the No. 11 Horned Frogs.
What a contrast that is to another college I attended where the invitation might have been delivered by a grim looking Viking (head only) with a serious vision problem, a hat that featured humongous horns, and a sour looking mouth — a grim sight indeed.
It should come as no surprise that the WWU “Window,” a quality publication for alumni and friends of the college chooses to identify with a stylized graphic depicting Mount Baker and Shuksan Arm. A full page ad in the fall/winter edition, however, proclaims in large print that the Vikings have arrived in the historic Herald building where you are invited to drop in to “grab some Western gear and enjoy a free cup of Viking Blend coffee!” Be sure to check the image on the Viking Blend and suggest any changes that might make for a more appropriate mascot.
My vote is for the previous image which looked more like Hagar the Horrible (he wasn’t truly horrible). In the meantime I’ll continue to identify with the duck who looks a lot like Donald — no, not that Donald!
Niel Pfundt, Bellingham
This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Concerned about Viking mascot."