Press Box: What's in a name?

It's an election with long-term consequences.

After sorting through a list of nominees, a committee has whittled the list of possible mascot/colors for the new Capital City High School down to five. That list will be presented at Monday night's school board meeting, with online voting to begin Tuesday and continue through March 21.

And in the News Tribune sports department long-held tradition when it comes to decisions, how does this effect me? As it turns out, it will.

For the past few months, I've had a personal favorite for the new school - the Chanticleers.

It's unique. There's no school in Missouri using it. On the few occasions I've expressed my preference to people, I've had to explain exactly what a Chanticleer is. It's a rooster in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales that dominates the barnyard.

It's regal - the Capital City Chanticleers.

But there's one problem. It's 12 letters long. That's a headline writing problem. Jays, fits. Helias, fits. Falcons, fits. The Fatima Comets have it covered on both ends.

Not mention Chanticleers is difficult to spell. I realize muscle memory on the keyboard will eventually kick in, but attempts to get it correct repeatedly with a deadline hanging above your head doesn't sound all that attractive.

So while I think it's a great choice, it's also off the table. Not that it's a finalist anyway.

And some of the other nominees that didn't quite make the cut are interesting.

German Shepherds. Somebody wanted to name it after their breed of dog.

Crusaders. And another somebody has a sense of humor.

Chupacabras. I'm taking this straight from the nominees sheet, "Because it would be awesome."

Wardens. A mascot of someone wearing a suit, carrying a nightstick. Not so sure that's a good idea.

Boxing Kangaroos. Huh?

Bowl of Soup. I'm starting to think there were some people not taking the nomination process very seriously.

Fighting Jabronies. There might be a little too much WWE in your life. But it would be great for cutting promos at wrestling duals.

Goofballs. Hmm the Capital City Goofballs, a tribute to one of the greatest Simpsons episodes. Homer could be the mascot. The six months before the lawsuit for copyright infringement would be entertaining.

Vulcans. Spock as a mascot would be interesting. But again, why bring lawyers into this?

As an aside, what's the difference between a mascot and a nickname? More than a few good brain cells have met their demise as the "What's the difference between a mascot and a nickname debate" has flared up on occasion in the newsroom during the past few weeks. The consensus? While they can be the same thing, they also can be different.

It is scintillating debates like this that keep the newsroom lively.

It is at this point, I feel I should remind everyone the News Tribune strongly encourages participation in any and all elections. So starting Tuesday, vote early and vote often (but I'm not sure you can vote more than once).

The final results of the voting will be announced March 23.

But most importantly, vote while keeping your local sportswriters in mind.

Shorter is better in 2018!