Rural Town Wants A Mascot It Can Cheer

Residents of this Eastern Washington hamlet are choosing a new name for Wilson Creek High School’s athletic teams, which have been called “the Devils” for 42 years.

School Principal Tom Wilson is taking suggestions for a new mascot that students, teachers and the community can take pride in.

“Wilson Creek is a conservative community, with strong, conservative Christian values, and they haven’t been jumping up and down and shouting about the current mascot,” Wilson said.

“People seem to have some concern that there is a connotation of Satanism, and others just don’t like the word.”

The school board is asking for suggestions from students, teachers, community members and alumni to see if the community wants a change. All proposals must be called in or mailed to the school before next Tuesday.

Students and town residents will vote on the name. Ballots will be mailed this spring to all community members, and students will vote at school, Wilson said.

The process comes as the school district prepares to build a new school gymnasium, which will feature a picture of the mascot on the gym floor.

Wilson Creek, population 148, is about 80 miles west of Spokane.