Temple sued for disgracing mascot

Many on the Temple University campus have expressed a great deal of anomosity over the Owls' seemingly perpetual losing streak. Apparently, they are not alone in their frustrations.

According to a far more experience and accomplished blogger, Cinnamon, the CEO of the chain restaurant Hooters has called for a change in the companies name and its logo as a result of the embarrassment that Temple's football team has brought upon their iconic bird.

In September 2005, an animal activist group, Pestering for Improved Treatment of Animals (PITA), filed suit with Temple contending that the school is a disgrace to the pervasive image of its mascot, the Owl. Blogger Cinnamon wrote on the "suit":

“The owl is an important component in the earth’s ecosystem and deserves better treatment than depiction on banners and literature supporting an athletic team that has become a laughing stock throughout the nation,” said Larson T. Whipsnade, director of PITA’s Animal Dignity Divison. “Temple mascot materials consistently – and rightfully – depict a fierce Great Horned Owl that uses sharpened claws with which to kill rodents and small animals. It’s how they live."

Read more about the "suit" here.
Temple's performance has been on a downward spiral since the beginning of the decade, and it appears to have reached an all time low. Since the beginning of 2005, the Owls are 0-16. Even with the introduction of new head coach Al Golden, the Owl's seem unable to pull themselves out of this painful slump.

So what is it with Temple? Is it a self-esteem problem? If that's the case, I would be more than willing to take up a collection for therapy. At Temple Counseling Services, it's only $10 for an hour-and-a-half session with a seasoned professional. And if funds should come up short, perhaps the beleagured football team would benefit from visiting my new favorite web site - positive-way.com. Check out their tools for team building.

Temple's new President Ann Weaver Hart said in interview with Temple News that she is dedicated to protecting Temple's committment to A-1 football, and that she we will what it takes to bring Temple up to par.

When I joined the University of New Hampshire, they were struggling in football at the II-A level. They're now leading the country. But what I learned from that experience is that you hire the right people, you share the right values, and then you stick with them through the developing years. And that's what I want to do.

We'll see.