CSUN Matadors or Quakes?--That Is the Question

It started as a playful suggestion: As Cal State Northridge struggled to recoup from the Jan. 17 quake, some ventured that changing the school nickname from “Matadors” to “Quakes” might be the best way to turn a bad break into a marketing boon.

The theme was quickly picked up by Matador basketball coach Pete Cassidy, who has long winced at the existing moniker’s echo of an ignominious tactic--the so-called “matador defense.”

Now, CSUN Associated Students Vice President Rodney Lazar is ready to take the joke a step further.

Lazar has drafted a formal resolution to be presented to the Student Senate today proposing that the name change be put to a vote by students.

If passed, the resolution would ask students to state their nickname preference when they vote for student government candidates on April 12 and 13.

If a majority of students support the change, the proposal would then go to the athletic program for review, then to CSUN President Blenda J. Wilson for final approval, Lazar said.

“It would help the campus be recognized nationally,” Lazar said.

“Everyone knows where Northridge is now.”

Cal State Northridge’s alleged image problem has been the topic of much campus debate in the past year, particularly when the administration unveiled a new logo for the school late last year--a move aimed at increasing CSUN’s prestige outside the San Fernando Valley.

Adoption of the new logo prompted a brief flurry of protests from students who felt they’d had no say in the matter.

Lazar said letting the students have a go at changing the nickname might smooth over any residual bad feelings.

Athletic Program Associate Athletic Director Paul Bubb said the athletic officials are willing to support any appropriate proposal that students want, and even added his own swipe at the beleaguered Matador symbol.

“People have said the name Matadors refers only to males. While there are female matadors I’m sure, in this time of political correctness maybe Matadors isn’t appropriate,” he said.

Lazar dismisses any suggestion that “Quakes” might be in bad taste considering the earthquake’s deadly and devastating consequences.

“One of the ways I deal with fear and things I’m afraid of is laughing about them,” he said.

The name Matadors just doesn’t cut it, he said, adding “I bet if you came on this campus and asked people, three out of 10 wouldn’t even know we are the Matadors.”