It’s official: the Utes will stay. On Friday the NCAA Executive Committee removed the U from its list of colleges and universities subject to restrictions on the use of American Indian mascots, names and imagery at NCAA championships.
The move came after nearly a month of controversy surrounding an Aug. 5 ruling that would have forced the U to change its long-time nickname.
“We’re obviously thrilled about it,” U Athletics Director Chris Hill said.
“We’ve been optimistic all along.”
Players at Friday night’s game against Arizona shared Hill’s sentiments.
“It’s huge,” U quarterback Brian Johnson said. “When you talk about that, you’re talking about over a hundred years of tradition and something we pride ourselves in being. That name means so much to the community, to this state and to these people.”
The change of heart on the part of the NCAA came just two days after the U’s central administration filed a formal appeal.
“We are very pleased that the NCAA has recognized our close and mutually respectful relationship with the Ute Tribe and, accordingly, has removed the University of Utah from (its) list of schools that use Native American names or imagery inappropriately,” U President Michael Young said in a news release. “We appreciate their prompt attention to our appeal.”
A resolution of support from the Northern Ute Indian Tribal Business Committee backed the U’s petition.
“For many years the Ute Tribe and the university have maintained an effective partnership,” said Maxine Natchees, chairwoman of the Tribal Business Committee. “The Tribe, the university and their members and supporters are proud of the Ute name and the culture it represents. Indeed, the Ute name and culture are the predicates of our State’s name: Utah.”
Young agreed and said the U would work with the tribe in the future to maintain a positive relationship and ensure the name is used honorably and respectfully.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham said the news about the nickname sparked enthusiasm among the players prior to Friday’s game.
“Right before we got on the bus to come over here we talked about the Ute nickname (being) here to stay…that was a big shot in the arm for our guys that fired them up, and that was a big deal to us today.” While some questioned the political correctness of the Ute nickname leading up to the decision, Johnson said the team respects the tribe.
“I think we treat the name with the utmost respect and we treat the Ute Indian tribe with the utmost respect,” he said. “We love being Utes. That’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re just happy with the way the situation came out.”