Richmond's new Spider mascot search

"How many legs does a spider have? When the University's new mascot is unveiled, it will likely be back to eight."

I mean, there is so much in the press release announcing Richmond's search for a new Spider mascot that I didn't know. For example, that "Spidey" -- an informal name for the Spider often used by students and fans -- is trademarked by Marvel Comics and cannot be the Spider's official name.

Or that people were upset by the Spider's lack of eight legs. Really upset.

"Most people felt that he looked like an ant or a bug -- not a spider," says Samantha Tannich, design director for University Communications. "They really wanted him to have eight legs."

Alumni also weighed in on Facebook, starting a campaign to "Give Spidey His Legs Back!" Comments ranged from wanting "to be proud of their mascot as well as their team," to thoughts on appearance, such as currently looking like "a wasp costume" or "an ant."

Or that, of the two new choices for Spidey/Spider/Spidery, "one is more of a ferocious warrior and the other is a more literal spider."

And the third is more of an ant.

"The mascot needs to be attractive for students, fans and alumni, as well as kids," says Jana Ross, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Development. "A new look will have a great impact on the University and our department when we're out in the community and on the road for competitions."

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