Spring Break
Rhody the Ram gets a Facelift for this year
Jason Coppa
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Sports
09/11/08 - One of the most beloved figures on the URI campus got a new look this summer. No, it wasn't a building. No, it didn't involve any make-over reality shows, dares from friends or anything of that sort. It was however, an animal. Everyone's favorite ram, Rhody, took off a few pounds and put on some pants.
Noticeably different from years past, Rhody the Ram now has broad shoulders and finally a pair of shorts to cover his bare bottom. Rhody is now more mobile. His new look reflects the new attitude that the football team and Athletic Department are trying to push this year.
"Everything we are trying to do is to build a winning program across all of URI athletics and to show why our football team is such an integral part of this university," said Thorr Bjorn, Director of Athletics. "We understand from the mascot, to the cheerleaders, to the fans, that this kind of positive, winning atmosphere brings excitement to these events."
As a new era of URI football dawns with a new coach, Darren Rizzi, at the helm and a new look, it only seemed fitting that the most visible face in the crowd got an update too.
Athletics' Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Jaclyn Muns was one of the key people involved in Rhody's transformation.
"Rhody is the face of URI sports and it was time that he reflected the attitude we have," said Muns. "With a new era comes a new Rhody."
The "new" Rhody is still the same costume but updated with football pads, a new football jersey and URI shorts to replace the saggy underside that existed before. Rhody is now tougher looking, yet keeps that same charm that made this campus fall in love with him.
Rhody debuted his new look at the first football game of the year and received many positive comments from fans, players and staff, alike.
Anyone can be a part of this phenomenon. Auditions to be Rhody will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium.
"The excitement that comes from Rhody is a big part of who is willing to be in the suit," Muns said.
"The importance of student support is paramount to making any venue an atmosphere where our team can win and force visitors to have another obstacle to overcome, besides the players on the field," Bjorn said. "Rhody is a great catalyst for that."
Rhody the Ram will be on display in all of his glory as the football team takes on No. 10 University of New Hampshire this Saturday at noon.
To contact Muns e-mail her at jmuns@mail.uri.edu.
Noticeably different from years past, Rhody the Ram now has broad shoulders and finally a pair of shorts to cover his bare bottom. Rhody is now more mobile. His new look reflects the new attitude that the football team and Athletic Department are trying to push this year.
"Everything we are trying to do is to build a winning program across all of URI athletics and to show why our football team is such an integral part of this university," said Thorr Bjorn, Director of Athletics. "We understand from the mascot, to the cheerleaders, to the fans, that this kind of positive, winning atmosphere brings excitement to these events."
As a new era of URI football dawns with a new coach, Darren Rizzi, at the helm and a new look, it only seemed fitting that the most visible face in the crowd got an update too.
Athletics' Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Jaclyn Muns was one of the key people involved in Rhody's transformation.
"Rhody is the face of URI sports and it was time that he reflected the attitude we have," said Muns. "With a new era comes a new Rhody."
The "new" Rhody is still the same costume but updated with football pads, a new football jersey and URI shorts to replace the saggy underside that existed before. Rhody is now tougher looking, yet keeps that same charm that made this campus fall in love with him.
Rhody debuted his new look at the first football game of the year and received many positive comments from fans, players and staff, alike.
Anyone can be a part of this phenomenon. Auditions to be Rhody will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. in Keaney Gymnasium.
"The excitement that comes from Rhody is a big part of who is willing to be in the suit," Muns said.
"The importance of student support is paramount to making any venue an atmosphere where our team can win and force visitors to have another obstacle to overcome, besides the players on the field," Bjorn said. "Rhody is a great catalyst for that."
Rhody the Ram will be on display in all of his glory as the football team takes on No. 10 University of New Hampshire this Saturday at noon.
To contact Muns e-mail her at jmuns@mail.uri.edu.
