Marietta College's long and storied baseball program may have accomplished a first Tuesday night.
The Pioneers defeated a team without a nickname.
That's right, MC, now 4-1 on the season, claimed an 11-5 decison over host McMurry University at Walt Driggers Field in day two of the Abilene Classic in Texas.
A few years ago, McMurry's moniker was the Indians - but not anymore.
The school, a United Methodist Church affiliate, appealed to the NCAA to keep its Indian mascot but to no avail. Spokespeople argued that the nickname was a sign of respect for the American Indian culture.
But the NCAA, which has a policy of sanctioning schools using Indian mascots, believed otherwise.
As a result, McMurry's board of trustees opted to forgo a nickname altogether. Now, it's "Go team go!" And, that's fine with the NCAA.
McMurry University is currently allowed to participate in postseason tournaments and to host NCAA sponsored contests.
Amazingly, there are some exceptions.
The Florida State Seminoles had a successful appeal with the NCAA, thanks in part to approval from their namesake tribe.
Interestingly, the FSU athletic program was recently put on four years probation for an academic cheating scandal.
On the high school level, the use of Indian nicknames and mascots apparently is not banned, which is a shame, because they are insensitive and a putdown of Native Americans.
In this area, there are the Monroe Central Seminoles, the Caldwell Redskins, and the Parkersburg Big Reds.
There's other monikers that could be used, like for example the Monroe Central Cheetahs, the Caldwell Cobras, and the Parkersburg Stars.
Really, there's nothing more rediculous than watching a white anglo-saxon (most of the time) teenager dressed up in an Indian costume doing some kind of herky-jerky dance on the gridiron or hardwood.
It looks stupid, and it's downright embarrassing.
All of these prep schools need to do the right thing and implement changes.
Same goes for the pros. The Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins all immediately come to mind.
The Cleveland Indians haven't won a World Series since 1948. Maybe there is a curse.
Cleveland could be called the Kings; Atlanta, the Bombers; Kansas City, the Twisters; and Washington, the Wolves.
There's nothing wrong with positive and progressive change.
Like at McMurry University, if it comes down to "Go team go!" so be it.
Better no nickname than one that's racially or ethnically offensive.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
