Because of the recent the news at UCF, I am urging the student body to push for a change of its mascot.

My reasoning, there is only one animal that can truly survive in the new UCF stadium: a camel. The UCF Camels. It has a ring to it. 

At this past weekend’s home opener, UCF fans quickly learned that the new Bright House Networks Stadium contains no drinking fountains.

Apparently it wasn’t required by code at the time the stadium was built.

What a great idea UCF; only do what is required, not what is needed. (Keep in mind they are teaching our future leaders.)

I’ve heard some possible explanations as to why water fountains were not put in.

Personally I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they just overlooked the water fountains. But let’s be honest, what architect and building planner wouldn’t notice or inquire about the lack of drinking fountains.

Some suggest the lack of drinkable water was done to increase sales of bottled water. For some reason I don’t see them doing that. I mean how much money can you make on a 20 ounce bottle of water?

What’s that? They charge $3 for a bottle of water? Hmm.

The problem is UCF now is  in a tricky situation. I’m no lawyer but folks who I work with (who aren’t lawyers either … just journalists, and that’s close enough) suggested that in the future anyone who suffers heat exhaustion could have a possible lawsuit against UCF, because now the problem has been brought to their attention.

Did I mention that dozens of people were treated and about 18 taken to the hospital for heat related illnesses at the last game.

But have no fear the UCF lawyers wont let that happen. At the next game all fans can receive a free bottle of water at the game when they trade in their ticket.

Even with the free bottle of water, I don’t see any knight being able to survive the entire game. But a camel, that’s another story.

My hope is the mascot switch is only temporary. Once UCF gets around to installing drinking fountains in the stadium we can go back to the Knights.

But don’t expect that to happen anytime soon.

After all, “We won’t make a snap decision,” Al Harms, UCF’s VP for strategic planning and game day operations coordinator, told the Orlando Sentinel.

You see, putting in water fountains at UCF requires approval by multiple committees. What’s that saying? Oh yeah a camel is a horse designed by committee.