Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has selected a logo design to represent the new nickname Trailblazers.
The logo depicts mountains in the shape of an "M" with a trail blazing to the top make the shape of a "C". The "MC" symbolizes Massachusetts College. Trailblazers was chosen as the new nickname by a college subcommittee and a vote of the college community in May of 2002.
Athletic Director Scott Nichols is pleased with the final logo, saying,Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has selected a logo design to represent the new nickname Trailblazers.
The change comes after over a year-and-a-half debate and discussion about changing the mascot from the Mohawks, a name adopted by the College in the 1960s. Those in favor of the change claimed that the former moniker unfairly stereotypes Native Americans.
The new name was determined following a campus and alumni poll. David Russell, class of 2002, Leon Peters, MCLA graphics designer, and Scott Nichols, director of athletics, worked collaboratively in creating the logo design.
"I was somewhat concerned with how we would portray the new nickname as it would have been much easier if we had chosen an animal or character for the new mascot," said athletic director Scott Nichols. "However, I feel we have come up with a design that is modern and expresses the spirit and rationale behind the selection of the Trailblazers as the new nickname."
The largest reason for the final choice of "Trailblazers" pertained to the Berkshire County connection to various trails, such as the Appalachian, Mohawk, and Thunderbolt. The new name also represents the MCLA tradition in which new students climb Mount Greylock during their fall orientation.
The move to change the nickname followed a long process of discussion, debate and informational sessions about the Mohawk mascot. These included a presentation by Francis Boots, of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, who said his community does not feel honored by the name, which he added was not a name that they chose, but was given to them by others. He noted that Mohawk translates to mean "maneater." In addition Boots said the members of his tribe are opposed to any Native American athletic mascots/nicknames, saying they create inaccurate stereotypes.
A plan is now being developed to honor the Mohawk Tribe in an appropriate way on campus. The Mohawk name has existed at the North Adams College since 1960s, prior to which athletic teams were referred to as the Professors and in the 1940s, the Gremlins.
For more information or comments contact Scott Nichols, 413-662-5412.
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Winter Storm Warning Issued for Berkshires
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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