Conquor, the sword wielding mascot representing the Conquistadors at Pasco-Hernando State College since 1993, is retiring, effective this spring, announced PHSC’s Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Steve Winterling.
“Everyone knows that mascots don’t communicate through spoken words,” said Winterling. “However, since I happen to be fluent in mascot, Conquor has selected me to serve as his official spokesman.” Conquor is officially laying down his sword and abandoning his swashbuckling ways for a variety of reasons, Winterling explained. “He is eager to travel the world, spend quality time with family and friends and pursue hobbies such as fishing and golfing.”
With Winterling’s assistance, Conquor announced his retirement and kicked off a search for his replacement at a collegewide employee event last month. 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. 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. The new academic year also marks the college’s 45th anniversary.
“PHSC has undergone a tremendous transformation in recent years,” said Bob Bade, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at PHSC. “We opened our new Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, became a state college offering bachelor’s degrees, and transitioned to a new administration. We are expanding our student base and moving forward with new programs and a bold vision for the future. The time seems right to honor Conquor’s request to hang up his helmet and to select a new mascot to represent our athletic programs, our student population and a new era at PHSC.”
Conquor, as well as PHSC students, faculty and staff, alumni friends and the community are invited to participate in the mascot selection process. Once the new mascot is selected and approved, a competition will be held to seek student input on naming the new mascot.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community can provide suggestions for a new mascot at www.phsc.edu/mascot. Submissions will be accepted through December 31, 2016.
Note: Requests to interview Conquor will be honored. A selection of additional photos and videos are also available upon request.
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.
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