Richmond’s spider mascot receives a much-needed makeover

Take one glance at Richmond's current mascot, and it's easy to see why the Spiders decided they needed an upgrade.

The mascot looked more like a deranged red ant than a ferocious spider. He had red fur instead of black, a cartoon grin instead of a feisty growl and worst of all, four legs instead of the requisite eight.

An alumni facebook campaign aptly named "Give Spidey His Legs Back" prompted the Richmond athletic department to commission Rickabaugh Graphics last year to redesign the mascot. Students and alumni voted online in February on two potential designs, with Richmond announcing Friday that the fiercer, eight-legged spider above was the winner.

The new Spider has flashing LED eyes, a scowl instead of a smile and a custom-designed high-powered web shooter than can launch t-shirts and toys to the nose-bleed seats at Robins Stadium or the Robins Center. He'll also don jerseys to match the Richmond football or basketball teams rather than the red cape and tights of his ill-fated predecessor.

In addition to the new look, the mascot will have a new name when he's unveiled in person at a June 4 alumni gathering. Because Richmond learned during the redesign process that the name "Spidey" is trademarked by Marvel Comics, the new mascot will officially be known as "WebstUR."

The name may be a little hokey but the overall design is a big improvement.

Richmond's basketball team inspired arachnophobia this past March when it won the Atlantic 10 tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16. Now maybe the Spiders' mascot can finally cause fear as well.

Blake Lively Christina Applegate Shana Hiatt Tara Conner Drea de Matteo