Poems, campus and Cougs inspire UW song entries

Some tried to sneak in words like "Cougar" or "crimson" into otherwise fawning songs about the University of Washington.

Others found inspiration in poems, or from days sitting under the cherry blossoms on the quad. In all, 382 people submitted entries to the UW for a new "Song of Washington" by Wednesday's deadline.

The UW is offering $1,000 to whomever submits the winning entry, which will be put to music by Los Angeles composer Bill Conti. Among Conti's long list of credits are the scores to five "Rocky" movies.

Officials are hoping the winning song will catch on and become the UW's new alma mater, a rallying anthem at football games and college celebrations. The existing one, written in the early 1900s, has never proved popular and contains a potentially offensive line: "You're the mother of a mighty race."

The UW is quick to point out that a new alma mater would not replace the school's popular fight song — "Bow Down to Washington."

"There's been a lot of incredible thought put to these," said Brad McDavid, the director of Husky Athletic Bands, who has been sorting through the entries. "It's exactly what we've been looking for. We are going to come up with something that is very stirring to the people who hear it."

McDavid said at least three-quarters of the entries are serious. Others saw an opportunity to make fun of the UW, either overtly or by trying to slip in subliminal references — like "crimson" — to Washington State University.

The Seattle Times also invited readers to respond with their ideas.

Wrote Mary Ann Timeus, class of '78:

By the shore

of Lake Washington,

Under the proud

eye of Rainier,

Men and women

of Washington,

Hold to treasures oh so dear.

Wrote "Huskie Fan" from Issaquah:

Purple & Gold,

Purple & Gold

Everyone's rooting for

Purple & Gold

The Sonics are sold

The Mariners are cold

So everyone's rooting for Purple & Gold

The UW won't release any of the submissions until a winner is selected by the end of August. A committee of about 16 students, alumni, staff and faculty will pick the top three entries early next month, and send them to Conti, who will then compose music to his favorite.

The UW hopes to unveil the song in September, either at freshman convocation or at a gala celebrating the UW's successful eight-year fundraising campaign.

Nick Perry: 206-515-5639

or nperry@seattletimes.com