RIP Sparky?

[Big D]

Was watching some of the UIC Ignite campaign video and Bill Merchantz was talking to “Sparky” and when the camera zoomed out, all I saw was that nightmare of a knockoff of the real Sparky.

Sparky also was not at the UC for the recent mascot game...it was again Sparky Jr.

More and more, I’ve seen the new mascot at campus events...

I have a tremendous soft spot for the real Sparky...personality is second to none. Whether he was “eating” human heads, dressing up as an angel or any other character he played, or impersonating Jim Schmidt with that porn mustache, it just worked. And it appears that UIC has gone ahead and messed it up by getting rid of him. The new one has zero personality and its look leaves something to be desired.

[UICJohn]

I have always thought Sparky to be humorous. Additionally, if we want to fill the stands for most games that includes appealing to young fan base and Spark does that.

If I'm being honest, I have no incredible attachment to Sparky. However, if we were to change it up, I would prefer a leaner and meaner kind of mascot. Sparky Jr. is basically Sparky with a leaner body suit. It just seems like an odd combination.

It reminds me of Benny the Bull and Da Bull. I am so out of the NBA loop I have no idea which is around. Benny was the larger, goofier and family friendly one where Da Bull was leaner, looked meaner and more athletic. I admit I preferred Da Bull for those reasons.