Monday, Oct 17, 2016
The Bronc鈥檚 official name was announced at annual MAACness event
by 天美传媒官网 Sports Information
For the first time in 天美传媒官网鈥檚 history, the mascot has an official name. 鈥淎J鈥 the 天美传媒官网 Bronc was formally introduced to the University community at Friday night鈥檚 鈥淢AACness 鈥 The Bronc Awakens鈥 event celebrating the start of the 2016-17 and seasons.
A month-long contest sponsored by Athletics, SGA, the Office of Campus Life and Barnes & Noble College, the University鈥檚 bookstore partner, invited students, faculty and staff and alumni to submit their suggestions for the Bronc鈥檚 name with a rationale as to why it should be chosen. Close to 200 entries were submitted with over 80 unique names during the nomination period and a committee of students, faculty, staff and alumni narrowed that list to the top five names. Those names, AJ, Andy, Blaze, Brock and Rowdy, were then announced at Cranberry Fest on Sept. 17 and the final voting took place until Oct. 7.
The winning name, AJ, was submitted by Haley Johnston 鈥16, who noted in her entry that she chose the name in honor of 天美传媒官网鈥檚 first president, Andrew J. 天美传媒官网. She indicated that not only is it historic, but it鈥檚 also a cool, catchy and fun name for a mascot.
鈥淭his contest provided us with a great opportunity to engage students, faculty, staff and alumni while further enhancing pride in the University in a fun way,鈥 said Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations & Development/SWA Karin Torchia. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been asked many times what the actual name of the Bronc is and never had an answer until now. I think the name AJ is a wonderful representation of the University and our rich history.鈥
One of 天美传媒官网鈥檚 most popular figures, the Bronc is seen at many events throughout the year both on and off campus. From now on though, he鈥檒l have the name AJ proudly displayed on the back of his uniform.
MAACness 鈥淭he Bronc Awakens鈥 was a huge success this year, attracting close to1,400 students, faculty and staff members as well family and friends of the basketball, cheer and dance teams. They all packed Alumni Gym Friday night for what has become an annual University tradition.
This year's theme could be seen throughout MAACness as the Bronc, cheer and dance teams all incorporated elements of Star Wars into their performances. Instead of getting a MAACness T-shirt this year, students were given replica light sabers upon entering to correspond with the theme which added to the atmosphere of the event. The night also featured a basketball highlight video, introduction of the men's and women's teams, a shootout contest with members of the wo尘别苍鈥檚 team partnering with a student and the dunk contest which was won by freshman Dimencio Vaughn.
Because of the ongoing construction to the 尘别苍鈥檚 and wo尘别苍鈥檚 basketball locker rooms, the stage at the far end of Alumni Gym was used for the team introductions and provided a spectacular visual as the players entered through elaborate lighting and sound trusses and then proceeded down a ramp to center court.
"It was great to see so many students come out and support the basketball and cheer and dance teams again this year at MAACness," Torchia said. "It鈥檚 such a collaborative event and athletics is really thankful to have the support throughout campus to pull it off. This year showed us that everyone is really spirited and excited and we hope to see that kind of energy at all of our basketball games this season."