WebstUR snarls, nonstop. His eyes light up (red). He seems to enjoy flexing.
To date, there's not much more information available about the University of Richmond's new mascot, which was introduced Saturday during the school's reunion weekend.
UR determined last year that a fresh mascot was in order, and used focus groups to get an idea of what kind of character was preferable. Alumni, fans and friends of the university wanted something more aggressive than "Spidey," the hornet-looking, baseball-cap-wearing creature that had been the Spiders' mascot for years.
Born was WebstUR, with the catchy name, eight legs, menacing red eyebrows, and what looks to be a blue catcher's chest protector.
"Especially as a former athlete here, I think you want some intimidating quality to your mascot,"
said Jasmonn Coleman, a former Henrico High and Spiders' football standout who is UR's assistant director of athletics/development. "I think we hit the nail on the head with that part of it."
Coleman was present at the introduction of WebstUR, and reports that, in general, alumni liked the look. WebstUR's costume was designed by Rickabaugh Graphics, which is based near Columbus, Ohio, and has done branding work for Ohio State, Old Dominion, N.C. State and the University of Texas, among others.
Eric Rickabaugh, owner and creative director of the company, started the Richmond project by visiting UR's campus and talking with staff, alumni and students. He said they told him that in comparison to "Spidey,"
they wanted a mascot that looked more like a spider, and a character "less passive."
A new name was necessary because "Spidey"
is a trademark of Marvel Entertainment LLC, whose properties include Spider-Man. UR has not used "Spidey"
in licensed merchandise, but intends to do so with WebstUR.
A worker for the school's athletics marketing department — perhaps a student, perhaps not — will don the WebstUR ensemble for Spiders' sporting events and other appearances. Before football starts, WebstUR plans to show up at various events around town, according to Coleman.
