The Pitt Athletic Department announced that the athletic department’s extortion fundraising unit is changing its name. Gone is “Team Pittsburgh.” It is now “Panther Club.” Why the name change?

“As we continue to implement plans that will energize our fans and help us achieve excellence throughout our athletic program, I have been continually reminded of the one symbol of strength that unites us all — the Panther,” Pittsburgh athletic director Jeff Long said. “For nearly 100 years, the Panther has been an enduring symbol of our program and University. The Panther is highly visible across campus and our athletic venues.”

Hmmm. This is pure speculation on my part, but this strikes me as part of Pitt’s slow move away from the forced use of “Pittsburgh” when talking about the athletic department at all times, and a re-embracing of “Pitt.” I notice, Pitt is used in the press release a couple of times.

I have to think that the strong merchandising sales of the retro Pitt gear is a factor, along with alumni and students consistent and persistent refusal to call the school anything but Pitt. They’ve had better success with the media than with the fan base on that count.

Wishful thinking, perhaps.