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The University has previously considered replacing the printed version of its beloved Oregon Duck — aka Donald Duck.
In 1994, the University incorporated a new logo without Donald’s likeness that was designed by the local firm Funk and Associates. That duck was much like the newly designed duck mascot, which University officials are calling “Mandrake,” in that it looked less cuddly and more macho.
“I think this is the period of time when Disney gave us a hard time and we were trying to have a duck that wasn’t Donald,” former archivist Keith Richard said.
Current University personnel, however, said there was never any discussion to create a new mascot.
Now, with the introduction of “Mandrake,” Richard said he believes Nike is going to do its best to replace Donald.
“Donald could very well disappear quickly if the people who have the power decide to do it,” Richard said.
George Beres, former University sports information director, has concerns as well. While Beres doesn’t believe the new duck has been accepted by fans, he said he is still worried the “Knight Duck,” as he calls it, could become more prominent than Donald.
Beres said he’s worried traditions of yesteryear could be plucked away because of the University’s close ties with Nike CEO Phil Knight.
“I would have to suspect that it might happen for that reason,” Beres said.
During the past few years, the University has worked with Nike to help enhance its own image. The manufacturer first redesigned the interlocking “UO” to the “O” logo, and then created new athletic uniforms.
Soon thereafter, the University adopted the “O” as its official logo. Currently, the University is requiring all student groups to display the “O” on letterheads, business cards and publications.
“A mascot or a character are different than logos,” Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications Harry Battson said.
According to Battson, the University only adopted the “O” as its official logo after weighing many options. The University finally decided that the “O” was the best option because the athletic program was already using it, Battson said.
So, while the University has worked extensively to consolidate marketing within the University, why has the Athletic Department added a mascot?
“It’s pretty consistent with where athletic marketing has been in past years,” Battson said. “The emphasis is that (the new duck) is a secondary mascot.”
But Glenn Street, founder of Street Characters Inc. — a company that has created many NCAA mascots, including Oregon State’s Beaver — said the inception of a new mascot is a little off the wall.
“It’s not typical,” he said. “But (Oregon) wouldn’t be the only one.”
Street said owning a mascot is financially profitable. The University, which splits its 12 percent take of Donald royalties with Disney, could be looking for more, Street said.
“Anytime that anyone else can call the shots, that puts you at risk,” he said. “And that’s part of the University’s concern.”
So, is there any chance the new duck could ever supersede Donald?
“I won’t engage in any speculation,” Battson said.
And is Knight responsible for the new duck?
“Did he personally do it?” Battson said. “I don’t know. I don’t think so.”
Goofy.