CEDAR CITY, UT - Southern Utah Athletics is excited to announce a new social initiative among our programs. When Southern Utah University joined the Big Sky conference in the fall of 2012 the athletics department began using the theme "Thunder in the Big Sky". In 2020 the T-Birds shifted to the shortened #StormTheSky and introduced a refreshed look to social media. Since leaving the Big Sky for the Western Athletic Conference in July the T-Birds have been looking for a new hashtag and theme that better fits the traditions of the University and the mission of SUU Athletics.

Thor the Thunderbird has been the Mascot for SUU since 1961 and is an avian representation of the hammer wielding Norse God of Thunder. Thor's Hammer is one that according to legend can only be used by those who are worthy. Southern Utah athletics has used the Hammer of Thor as a prop and as an award for various sports in the past but it will now become part of the theme for SUU athletics as a whole.

The T-Bird gymnastics team has been using the hammer as a symbol of achievement for years. Only gymnasts who achieve a score of 9.9 are allowed to touch the Hammer. When it happens they get to hold the hammer for the remainder of the meet. Coach Scott Bauman said "The Hammer is a symbol of excellence for us. Not just anyone can achieve a 9.9 and as long as we can keep that as our vision we will be able to achieve greatness and be among the top teams in the country." 

The gymnasts aren't the only ones who have been celebrating big performances with the Hammer. The Southern Utah softball team has also used it whenever a home run is hit. Coach Don Don Williams said "The hammer has been a symbol of success for our program. It's a fun way to celebrate and the team really gets into it."

Thunderbird Athletics is looking not only to raise the bar, but to Raise the Hammer as a symbol of the excellence we are striving for not only in competition but in every aspect of our department. Interim Athletic Director Todd Brown said "I am excited to watch our student-athletes #RaiseTheHammer throughout this year. Each time the hammer is raised, it will signify the total strength that is needed to accomplish the task at hand. When the hammer is raised, I would encourage each T-Bird fan to take a moment to think about how they have contributed to strengthening the Thunderbird who is Raising The Hammer!" 

As we take on this new theme we will be selecting a #RaiseTheHammer player of the game at each home contest. Also keep an eye out for the new Raise The Hammer podcast debuting in September, which will highlight the achievements of some of our outstanding student athletes throughout the year. 

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