With the announcement that the University of Utah is dropping the Drum and Feathers due to sensitivity issues with Native Americans, it's only a matter of time until the school is forced to drop the name "Utes" (most likely due to Stanford and Cal, but I digress). When this inevitability occurs, it will be a terrible day for all Ute fans and will tear a larger chunk of my heart out.

But what would make things worse would be choosing a new mascot that is generic and not unique. Heaven forbid we become the Utah Red Hawks or something. No thanks. There are plenty of "Hawks" teams in the country. I'll pass. I recommend that we go with the name "Red Rocks". Sure it's in animate, but it unique and is major part of the State of Utah. Also, the Gymnastics program already uses the name and it works for them and provided them an identity. It would be an easy transition and one I think the fans would readily support.

If not the Red Rocks, how about any of the following: Canyons, Grizzlies (no FBS uses it, just Montana), Trappers, Sea Gulls, Arches, or Mormons (TIC, but that would sure put a thorn in BYU, Stanford's and Cal's side!)? OK, some of those suck, but at least they are somewhat unique to Utah. (And yes, I know Red-tailed Hawks are a Utah thing too, but that is so generic).

What are some of your ideas?

(Also a quick digression, I don't understand the sensitivities the Native tribes have to Universities using their names IF the school is respectful and honorable in its use of the name. The Native Americans have been so marginalized in our country that they are nearly ignored, which is a sad thing. The Universities that use their name respectfully provide awareness, funding and respect to the Tribe. Most Americans can only name tribes that are associated with Universities (Seminoles, Utes, Illini). Why would they want to marginalize themselves further? Maybe I am just naive.)

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With BYU now an independent in football the question then becomes, what happens to the rest of the MWC, including Boise State. With Utah and BYU gone the Mountain West is left with the following teams: 

Air Force
Colorado State
New Mexico
TCU
UNLV
San Diego State
Wyoming
Boise State

The first thing that happens is TCU calls the Big-12 and Conference-USA immediately. The Big-12 will say, "call us in two years." But the CUSA will welcome them with open arms. With Utah and BYU gone, there is no reason for TCU to stick around. CUSA's current teams are equal with the remnants of the MWC (except for BSU). So going CUSA is a given, their travel will be greatly reduced and they have more natural rivals.

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