SMU To Upgrade Dance Team - Name Suggestions

 

As SMU prepares for its big move to the ACC and P5 status, folks on the Hilltop are noticing things that need an upgrade. Facilities, for instance, are already in the midst of major upgrades. The Garry Weber End Zone Complex adds three levels of public and private spaces, completes the oval of Ford Stadium, among other additions. This will increase capacity to around 40,000 and provide additional revenue when ACC opponents come to town. 

SMU was able to make this jump by improving many things. Better coaches, a solid NIL plan, scouting/recruiting the Portal, and expanding educational opportunities. And that still only scratches the surface of all that has been invested into SMU in the last decade. Just getting the invitation sounds like a Hollywood screenplay.

SMU athletics is having a phenomenal year, and look to be peaking at just the right time. The last major piece of the puzzle is Spirit and fan support. The latter is driven by success and national interest. SMU as a G5 team, playing regional opponents, and being average at best, is not a recipe for an excited fan base. Playing in a P5 conference versus national brands makes things far more interesting - especially if SMU is competitive. Spirit, however, needs some love. There are some really great traditions, and the Mustang Band and our feisty mascot - Peruna are fantastic. Many of SMUs traditions are outstanding. But there are definitely areas that can be improved.

I grew up in East Texas where EVERYONE knew about the Kilgore Rangerettes and Tyler JC Apache Belles. Both are nationally, if not globally known dance/spirit teams that perform all over the country. And they are both sponsored by junior colleges in Tyler and Kilgore! And let me frank, I am not suggesting we copy them, their routines, or costumes. Just note the attention they bring to their respective colleges - and have for 80 years! How much benefit could a globally known spirt/dance squad bring to the Hilltop? How much would that benefit the participants?

You only have to look West to see what TCU has created with its Showgirls. But they aren't alone.

Texas may not have the best dancers, but at least their uniforms are on brand. Hopefully, SMU can do much better in this area.

Then there are Georgia's Dance Dawgs.

There have been attempts to rank the best teams. Some I agree are very good, others just not my cup of tea. They need to be very talented, look good, and represent the school in a positive way. And of course come game time, be entertaining. And if the talent and presentation is there, they can have impact beyond the stadium and arena - become ambassadors for the university. 

Everything has to work. Select the most talented performers, good chemistry on the team, select music that is both relevant and exciting, and build from there. Suddenly, folks have another reason to stay in their seats during halftime. Although the Best Dressed Band In The Land puts on a great show.

During a recent video, I found out that SMU is addressing these very issues, even hired someone to implement the very changes I am discussing. And they were looking for names of the new group. So of course I am going to throw out some suggestions for consideration. In no particular order:

Peruna - Peruna is unique to SMU, connects to our history/mascot name. Matching it with the right modifier would be awesome. Some suggestions: 

Peruna Posse - Alliteration, posse has a wild west connection, but now used for friends, or folks with a common interest.

Peruna Energy (or Power) Think "Pure Energy" - Before most coeds were born.

Peruna Prancers - A Prancer is a fiery horse. It also means to step in a lively, showy manner 

Prime Peruna (or Peruna Prime) I like prime first - 1st in quality or value 

Prime Time Peruna - Too much?

Hilltop - Probably a few here, except there is a team, Hilltoppers, already in college, so likely too close. Not really a fan, as few outside of SMU would connect us to a Hilltop. Hilltop Honeys, Hilltop Fillies, High on the Hilltop, Peak Hilltop

Stampede - Works well with the our mascot - Mustangs. Not really dance sounding, Stampede may also suggest lack of control. Mustangs Stampede

Mustang - The most obvious word to connect with a dance group from SMU. But honestly I could not think of one that wasn't clearly borrowed from someone else. Mustang Mayhem. And of course we could bring back the now famous - Mustang Mania. There are plenty of fans and alumni that remember that name fondly.

Varsity - Another word closely connected with SMU. Unfortunately, almost every university can say the same. Varsity Blues, Varsity Red & Blue

I believe the strongest options will be built around PERUNA. Best wishes to SMU as they put together the absolute best game day atmosphere on the planet!