Brutus Buckeye, Ohio State’s peppy mascot, will soon be replaced by a shar – on the Marion regional campus, that is. In an effort to get its student-athletes recognized and out from underneath the main campus’ shadow, OSUM is adopting a new representative temporarily named “Sharky” the shark.
In a Lantern article, Wayne Rowe, the Marion campus spokesman said, “The overall goal was to have a mascot available that could get into the school, local community events, such as parades and of course, athletic events.”
The Marion branch’s trading Brutus in for “Sharky” the shark is like committing treason against the Buckeye name. Because Brutus represents OSU as a whole -including the regional campuses- he should have the opportunity to be equally represented at all university-related events. Just as the main campus has several Brutus Buckeyes sharing the reins, a competition should be held in Marion to appoint a student to a prestigious ambassadorship.
Brutus Buckeye is one of the most beloved and well-known college mascots. Who can resist his peanu- butter-and-chocolate face, button nose and gargantuan grin? He prances around college events with contagious school spirit that can rouse almost any OSU fan. Where adults and kids alike run to Brutus for big hugs and high fives, his welcoming arms and nutty personality make him a gentle-spirited giant. A shark, while powerful, is known for its gnarly teeth and fierce nature – just ask Richard Dreyfuss, who almost lost his life in the movie Jaws. On purpose OSU chose to use a buckeye for a mascot to stray away from mainstream animals other universities were using at the time.
Nevermind that the last team that used a shark for a mascot capsized. The Columbus Landsharks, the city’s short-lived professional lacrosse team, went belly-up after lack of local interest. Decking out a shark in scarlet and gray and calling it an OSU mascot does not necessarily mean people are going to believe.
When most think OSU, they think Brutus. OSUM may be a separate entity from the university, but it still carries the school name. Nearly 40 years old, Brutus has carried OSU sports through the best and worst of times, and he can do the same for all his sister schools – including Marion. Stuff the shark. Keep the nut.
