Macomb, IL – Women's athletic teams at Western Illinois University have been known as the Westerwinds for the past 30 years. Now the university is talking about naming all teams the Leathernecks, which is the nickname currently used by men's teams. The proposal has plenty of supporters and opponents.
An informal poll of women athletes found they were split on the name change. In addition, reporter Quintin Parker talked to students across campus and found many people on both sides of the issue.
The final decision will be made by WIU President Al Goldfarb, probably sometime early next year. There will be plenty of input for him to consider. An on-line survey has tallied more than 1,000 responses.
You can listen to Quintin Parker's feature about the WIU nickname controversy by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*The nickname Westerwinds was created to suggest that WIU's women athletes blow away their competition.
*The on-line survey can be found on Western's website (www.wiu.edu) under the title "Team Name Proposal." Input will be accepted until the end of November.