NSU Changes Mascots

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- Northeastern State University is now the RiverHawks.<br/><br/>NSU President Larry Williams on Tuesday announced the new mascot for the school which was known as the Redmen for

Tuesday, November 14th 2006, 6:02 am

By: News On 6

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- Northeastern State University is now the RiverHawks.

NSU President Larry Williams on Tuesday announced the new mascot for the school which was known as the Redmen for more than 80 years.

The school spent seven months searching for a new mascot after the NCAA banned mascots from post-season play if they're considered hostile or abusive to American Indians.

The school received more than 400 nominations before narrowing the list to six finalists. The others are 'Thunderhawks'; 'Thunderbirds'; 'Riverwolves'; 'Wolves'; and 'War Eagles.'

RiverHawks was chosen following online voting through the NSU Web site. More than 4,200 people voted with 1,345 choosing RiverHawks.