Another Illini Tradition Bites the Dust

Just a year ago, famed Chief Illiniwek, a University of Illinois symbol who performed at football and basketball games was forcibly retired due to NCAA pressure. I was glad to see that he made a one game return, albeit not at a football game, but on campus in a non-college appearance.

Now, the sweet Sioux Tomahawk, given to the winner of the annual Northwestern-Illinois game has also bitten the dust.

This was started by the schools' respective student newspapers in 1945. At first, it was a cigar-store Indian, but in 1946, it was stolen. The Tomahawk trophy replaced it in 1947.

Illinois still has the wooden turtle called Illibuck which goes to the winner of the game with Ohio State and the winner of the game with Purdue gets the possession of a cannon.

That Is, At LEAST Until a Reptile Lover Group or Anti-War Group Gets Their Way. I Hate to See Traditions Die Because of PC. And I'm Not Talking About Personal Computers. --Da Coot