After more than two years of review, Capital University has settled on a new mascot: the Comet.
The university’s athletic teams have long been known as the Crusaders, but the university board of trustees voted last year to move away from the nickname that some considered offensive.
"In recent years, our nickname has been challenged by students and faculty for its connection to the historic Crusades," board chair Andre Porter and interim president Dave Kaufman wrote in a statement last year.
The statement said a study commissioned in 2019 showed much of the university community agreed.
A statement posted on Capital’s website Thursday said “the selection and symbolism of the Comet logo represent many of the values and distinctions of Capital University. As the oldest university in central Ohio, the logo pays homage to the capital city where our campuses reside. “
“The two stars represent our Bexley and downtown locations and the double ‘C’ calls attention to our new identity as the Capital Comet” the statement said. “And like the brilliant comets found in our solar system, the Comet symbol will remind us of the opportunities we have to shine, blaze new trails, discover our potential and move forward in confidence.”
The statement said Capital will soon start introducing Comet-branded apparel, athletic uniforms and campus signage.
Capital's decision comes as more sports teams reconsider their names and mascots following pressure from fans and businesses. That includes the Cleveland Indians, which will change their name to the Cleveland Guardians starting next season after years of criticism by Native Americans.
