What are some of the symbols and traditions of the campus' athletic history?

How we became the Highlanders

When UC Riverside opened it had classrooms, a new Physical Education Building, and a student body eager to inaugurate the new school. What it didn't have, however, was a mascot.

The controversy raged throughout the opening weeks of that inaugural school year as different factions argued over what symbol should represent the newest UC school. Many wanted a bear symbol that could compete with the Bruins of UCLA and the Bears of Berkeley, while others wanted to go in a completely different direction, demonstrating the independence and uniqueness of the school.

A total of 67 nicknames were initially suggested by the student body. The names ran the gamut, from the wild (Bearcats, Rams, Bisons, Badgers, Gorillas) to the uninspired (Rovers, Ramblers, Possums, Chihuahuas, Valencias). There were colorful names (Red Raiders, Golden Eagles, Bluejays, Golden Beavers, Orangemen), names befitting the area’s heritage and environment (Caballeros, Friars, Vaqueros, Rattlers, Scorpions, Pioneers,) and names that were, frankly, just weird (Aphids, Rocks, Bondsmen).

An election in November 1954 saw none of the proposed six nicknames receive a majority and a runoff vote scheduled. While “Cubs” was the most popular of the six, many rallied against it because it showed the campus as a “little brother” to schools like UCLA and Cal. A write-in campaign, led by the men’s basketball team, was begun for the name “Hylanders,” a name suggested by freshman coed Donna Lewis. The name was changed to its current spelling and won easily. In recognition of her contribution to the university, Lewis received a lifetime pass to all athletic events from student-body president Charles Young, who went on to become chancellor at UCLA.

“Highlanders” fit the campus well for several reasons. The Box Springs Mountains, which stand behind the campus, were known as the Highlands. In addition, UCR is the highest elevation campus in the UC System.

The name proved to be a solid compromise, allowing the bear proponents to make a contribution. UCR Publicity Director Howard Cook had a friend create an aggressive little bear wearing a kilt for the school’s logo, and the campus took on a Scottish flare as buildings were named after Scottish regions.

The mascot went largely unchanged over the years. There was a brief uproar in 1988 when the athletic department proposed changing the mascot to a human figure in a kilt, a plan that was quickly scrapped.

But change was inevitable, and it occurred shortly after the 1998 passing of the referendum that approved the move to NCAA Division I. Much as they had done years earlier, student-athletes took the lead. According to Associate Athletic Director Cliff Dochterman, the student-athletes approached the department administration and told them that they “didn't want a teddy bear in a dress” representing the Highlanders. Rather, they wanted a mascot that “looks like we are going to tear the competition apart.”

Several logos were designed; including one with a bear featuring a half-blue face in homage to William Wallace, the Scottish hero and the subject of the movie Braveheart, the new look of the UCR Highlanders.

The logos help to inspire confidence in the campus in all areas, not merely athletics. It has strong ties into a feeling of growing school pride and has become a best seller at the UCR bookstore.