No extreme makeover for Wu

Wichita State University is planning another makeover of mascot WuShock, and it’s good to hear there will be no major changes to his looks. The peppy and pugnacious wheat bundle has terrified and mystified opposing teams for decades — there’s no reason to mess with success. But it makes sense to make the Wu experience easier on those inside the costume. “The elongated head makes it particularly difficult for costume wearers to see, and to breathe, and to maintain mobility,” said Ron Kopita, vice president for campus life and university relations.
It’s a good point. A Wu that runs into things, and falls down, isn’t likely to inspire fans.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

7 Comments

  1. Joe Williams
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 7:59 am | Permalink

    Remember when KU spents over $100,000 I believe, just to redesign their KU logo?

    A new mascot would be cool.

  2. Julie
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 8:37 am | Permalink

    I think it’s a great idea to make it easier on the person inside the costume. Opposing teams won’t laugh at it bumping into stuff and falling down.

  3. Shocker'07
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 11:35 am | Permalink

    To say that Wu has been “terrifying” opposing teams qualifies for the overstatement of the year award. I’m glad to hear the redesign will attempt to make Wu look more like the logo, because the costume is anything but terrifying or mystifying.

  4. Nathan
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    With how well the basketball team is doing, the new arena, and the huge increase in fan support, I think that a new look for WU is a good idea too!

  5. Ben Huie
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 1:34 pm | Permalink

    What does the new arena have to do with Wu?

  6. TRACY
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 1:56 pm | Permalink

    With a name like WuShock, they ought to make him look more Chinese.

  7. Nathan
    Posted May 18, 2006 at 2:05 pm | Permalink

    I am talking about Charles Koch arena.