Not Over It Yet: Chief Illiniwek Will Not Die

Despite the fact the mascot has been officially retired since early 2007, University of Illinois fans are holding tryouts for the next Chief Illiniwek, the Daily Illini reports:

True to the traditional selection process, candidates will complete a monthlong seminar in which they learn both the dance as well as the history. In March, the seminar will culminate in the selection of Chief XXXVII by a panel of former Chiefs and others from the Honor the Chief Society, composed of University alumni and fan supporters.

Although the school would normally face NCAA sanctions if it ever used the "hostile or abusive" symbol in an official manner, the tryout organizers are working privately, so the issue is one of free speech.

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