Fan pushes for Hoosier mascot

INDIANAPOLIS, May 17 (UPI) -- An Indiana University fan said he is trying to convince school officials to adopt a mascot for the Hoosiers, who haven't had a mascot since 1979.

Jim Gearries, an Indianapolis businessman, said he has spoken with Athletic Director Fred Glass and basketball Coach Tom Crean about potential mascots for the school, which had a bison as its mascot in the 1960s and was briefly represented by a hick-inspired character named "Hoosier Pride" in 1979, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday.

"I've just always had the question as to why Indiana doesn't have a mascot, and nobody seems to be able to come up with an answer," Gearries said.

"I think you should have a contest, get the university students involved and let them draw up something," Gearries said. "Let's have a name contest, let's have a drawing contest, and when we finally get it down to two or three finalists, we can let the students vote on it."

Gearries said his own idea for a mascot is named "Hurryin' Hoosier Harry" and would include bluejeans, suspenders, a peach basket containing a basketball and a corncob pipe.

Valerie Gill, director of licensing and trademarks for Indiana University, said there are currently no plans for a mascot.