To the editor:
After months of contemplation, I’ve decided it’s time to share my thoughts with Townbroadcast. Recent comments on the Wayland Youth Sports Facebook page questioning the purchase of apparel with a different Wayland Union Wildcat logo prompted me to speak up.
The Wayland Union football program is starting its third year with a new version of the Wayland Union Schools Wildcat mascot on their helmets. Looking back at the program’s history, there have been various logos on the helmets over the years, including claw marks and the word “Cats.” Which seems preferable to creating a new version of our school mascot.
It has been said that the Wayland Union Wildcat logo is difficult to apply to helmets and doesn’t look good, despite being used in the past. I understand that football programs generate the majority of athletics revenue, but no single program should have the authority to change the mascot. It’s disappointing that the district has permitted the football program to do this.
During Board meetings and community forums, board members have expressed concerns about the inconsistency of our sports teams and school parent organizations in using our school logo and colors. As a result, they believe we should rebrand Wayland Union Schools.
Throughout our district, it’s clear that the two main logos are the intertwined “WU” and the Wildcat. The Employee Handbook explicitly states: “Wayland Union School colors are dark green and white (black accents are allowed). The school district mascot is the right-facing Wildcat.
The board has also mentioned that the intertwined “WU” logo has not received their official approval. My question to them is: Why not? What are we waiting for? This logo is already prominently displayed throughout the district, including on several sports fields, such as the new soccer field turf.
If board members do not support our Wayland Wildcat or the intertwined “WU,” should the decision rest solely on their vote? As a Wayland alumnus, community member, and parent of Wayland students, I believe it should not. The district and the Board should be more transparent and seek input from those of us who have a stake in these decisions.
A branding company may offer to meet with the district and the board to create mock-ups of new alternative logos at no cost. However, if the district chooses to move in a different direction later on, all existing logos will need to be replaced, which will incur costs. There are certainly more effective ways to use district funds.
Have Board of Education members taken the time to research the history of the Wayland Union logos? The Wayland Union mascot has represented the school since 1982, with minor changes over the years. The intertwined “WU” design was introduced in 1995. This logo and mascot have withstood the test of time, representing Wayland Union Schools for decades.
This November, our community will be asked to elect or re-elect Board of Education members. I want board members who prioritize the safety, security, and education of our Wayland Union students. I won’t be voting for those who have spent countless years and hours trying to “rebrand” Wayland Union Schools.
Howard Koopman, WHS alumnus athlete, parent
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