Rhody shows off new outfit during 3rd annual 'Pink Out'

02/26/09 - Rhody the Ram modeled his new look for fans at last night's University of Rhode Island's men's basketball game, sporting a new jersey and some new wool."We are trying to project this new image [and it's] time to upgrade [it]," Vice President for University Advancement Robert Beagle said.

The Student Alumni Association funded the estimated $8,000 costume, and staff members from both the athletic department and alumni office were responsible for Rhody's new digs.

Aside from Beagle, the four-person design committee consisted of Associate Director of athletics Gregg Burke, coordinator of marketing and promotions in athletics Jaclyn Muns and Brittany Manseau, a program assistant in the URI Alumni Relations office.

When brainstorming the new costume, the committee had a "double objective," Beagle said. The committee wanted Rhody to be "tough and strong," but still have a "warm and cuddly side."

Manseau said there hasn't been a new costume since 1991. Beagle added to this by saying the costume was old, used and "tacky."

"The problem was once we started up-keeping, so much damage had been done," Manseau said.

Beagle said the costume was dirty and had to be washed once a month. This made the costume look "pilly," Manseau added.

She said there are two separate costumes, but both are identical. One costume is for the athletic department and the other is for the Alumni Association.

Some students were perplexed with Rhody the Ram's new image.

"I was expecting the same one [but] with different clothing. He looks like a bear," URI freshman Meghan Murphy said.

Freshman Sam Skuraton called Rhody "a tiger with horns."

Designing the new Rhody began in July 2008, Manseau said. After meeting a few times, Manseau sent her and the committee's thoughts to four mascot companies. In August, she received various sketches from each company and they made their decision with Maydwell Mascots in September.

"It was an easy decision," Manseau said. The company then started "building" the new mascot in January.

Manseau said the first Rhody had a rounder head, but this Rhody's facial expression is "more defined."

"It's more character-like looking," she said.

She said the new Rhody has better ventilation. There is now a battery-operated fan built inside Rhody's head, Manseau said. Beagle feels the costume is much more modern and more "sporty." He and Manseau both agreed the new costume would be much easier to move around in because it is less bulky.

"It's not a costume that gives you a lot of flexibility," Beagle said, referring to the old Rhody costume. He said people want to see a mascot that moves around and is energetic, especially because the mascot is extremely popular with children at events.

"At games, little kids flock to Rhody," he added.

He said Rhody doesn't just appear at sporting events, but he is also at events such as Freshman Orientation, Welcome Days, and other alumni events, including this past "Big Chill Weekend.