Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) announces final voting period for the new PHSC mascot. Community members and PHSC faculty, staff, students and alumni, can cast their final vote for the new PHSC mascot, in the final stage of the mascot selection process, at www.phsc.edu/mascot from Monday, January 30 through Sunday, February 19, 2017.
In December, PHSC’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Steve Winterling announced the retirement of Conquor, the sword wielding mascot representing the Conquistadors at Pasco-Hernando State College since 1993. Conquor officially retires, laying down his sword and abandoning his swashbuckling ways, this spring. A retirement celebration for Conquor, honoring his many years of service, will be held at the college’s annual Athletic Awards Ceremony in April 2017.
The first phase in the selection process for Conquor’s replacement garnered more than 800 votes from faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. Mascot recommendations were ranked, resulting in the following three mascot names rising to the top in order of votes received: Suns, Rangers, and Cubs. In addition, of the write-in names received during the first vote in 2016, the PHSC Athletic Committee voted to include the following three suggestions—also for final voting consideration: Bobcats, Coyotes, and Golden Eagles.
The final ballot will include all six mascot choices mentioned above. The mascot receiving the most votes will determine the new Pasco-Hernando State College mascot, pending legal licensing review and approval.
Conquor’s successor will be introduced to faculty, staff and students during the college’s fall Welcome Week, beginning August 21, 2017—the first week of the 2017-18 academic year. And, at that time, a competition will be held to seek student input on naming the new PHSC mascot. The 2017-18 academic year also marks the college’s 45th anniversary.
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) serves the educational needs and interests of its community by awarding certificates, diplomas, associate and baccalaureate degrees. As a comprehensive, multicampus learning-centered institution, PHSC utilizes various instructional modalities and support services. PHSC provides an accessible, diverse teaching and learning environment rich with opportunities for students to achieve academic success and cultural growth in a global society.