JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Jacksonville High School sports teams will likely continue seeing red.
An advisory committee found little interest in changing the teams’ “Crimsons” nickname. But the (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports the group suggests developing a standardized “J” on jerseys and clothing. Committee chairman Craig Albers says no one suggested dropping “Crimsons” but modifying it with “Knights” or other mascot-suitable character. Albers says the identity boost could come with an easily recognizable “J.” Fans currently sport a dozen or more variations in the stands.
Rivals’ emblems include a silhouette of the state Capitol (Springfield High School Senators) and a burly man holding an ax (Lincoln High Railsplitters).
Jacksonville’s nickname in the 1920s was the “Crimson Jackals” and later the “Crimson J’s” before the current form was adopted in the 1950s.
