People can say what they want. They can call me a racist, they can say that I am a bigot, but Chief Illiniwek represented all that was honorable on our campus. For over eighty years the Chief stood as a symbol of honor, loyalty, courage, and respect. Now, the NCAA has decided that they no longer wish for us to honor or remember Native Americans with these qualities. The Chief danced his last halftime performance tonight, and a little piece inside of me died. It honestly feels like I have returned from a funeral.
Tonight was a very special night. For starters, it was a big game against our rivals Michigan. It was also senior night. However, perhaps most importantly, it was the last night to celebrate the Chief.
The halftime performance was stunning. I couldn’t believe that this was the last time I would watch the crowd go wild after those famous leg kicks. I don’t believe that the words to Alma Mater will ever be sang as loud, or with such emotion as on this night. Just when we all thought it was over, the Chief turned back, and addressed all portions of the crowd. It was a perfect way to go out. There were standing ovations as the camera followed him down the hallway to the locker rooms. At this point, over half of the students in the cheering section removed our orange and wore black in remembrance of the Chief for the remainder of the game.
The Chief will be greatly missed. Right now, I can’t even comprehend that he is gone for good. It seems so foreign to me, that when I introduce my children to the University of Illinois, I will have to tell them about when the University had a real mascot - when the Chief was still allowed to dance. The PC crowd may have killed our hero, but he his honor and legacy will live on. I can only pray that the University will do what is necessary to preserve and commemorate this wonderful tradition. Perhaps a statue, or a museum. At the very least, the Chief’s regalia should be put on display somewhere.
I would like to thank Mr. Dan Maloney, and every Chief that came before him. You have created a wonderful legacy of honor and integrity. I appreciated your efforts to Save the Chief, and I know that you did all that you could. You kept the Chief’s dignity even to the moment you walked off the court (even in the hallway where you stood for the remainder of halftime for that matter).
Chief- you will be missed by many. Its sad that the ridiculousness of a few vocal individuals and the cowards at the NCAA were finally able to get the best of you.
Update: ESPN’s coverage of The Chief’s Last Dance
2 Comments
Look at that genuine frown on his face.
Sad. :(
The Chief never smiles during his performance. It is done with the utmost professionalism.