Chabot Spectator

Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Graphic by Matters, Marc

Unanticipated controversy has broken out in response to the design of an award depicting the Chabot College Gladiator.

Inspired by the staff of Chabot College's fund-raising foundation, the "Gladiator Award" statue was created to show appreciation for those who do something special for the college.

Richard Talmo, CEO of the Chabot College Foundation, commis-sioned art instructor Clayton Thiel to design the award, and his first creation sparked much discussion about what Chabot's mascot should look like.  The newer, more historically accurate design, too, has generated a lot of feedback.

Talmo stated in an e-mail how he feels about the new design of the statue, "The headgear is the most notable change. Research indicated that gladiators were Roman slaves, often captured during battles. They wore the armor and used the weapons of their culture. The figure we first presented was a Roman soldier, which is currently used as a mascot by the Associated Students of Chabot College (ASCC) and the Chabot Bookstore.

Our new model doesn't look fierce and he doesn't have his weapon drawn. He is stoic, strong and presents a conviction to strength and dignity. We used the gladiator displayed on the Chabot Hall of Fame along with others found in books and online to alter his appearance. I think Clayton Thiel did an outstanding job. Thank you Clayton!!"

Talmo added, "We encourage input. We feel the figure is more historically correct at this point and we plan to take him to the foundry this week."

Shari Jacobsen, a director of special programs and services stated via e-mail, "First, I think we are privileged to have the kind of artists we have on campus; and Clayton's talent is breathtaking."

Both of Thiels' versions of the gladiator had the large "fin" like crest that we have now - only one is more helmet-like as in the first rendering. Gladiators would fight to the death; they were prisoners of war, criminals or slaves.

Jacobsen commented, "The first example seems a little too studious, and thoughtful. I'd like to see him look like he would fight to the death. The spirit of the gladiator represents our sports teams - [their] tenacity, spirit to push forward, ability to meet all obstacles, fight for personal freedom (if that is ever an option), and fight to live and fight another day. So although we are not prisoners of war, etc. the gladiator was one tough customer. The spirit of the gladiator would also relate to all of us, and to our students - who certainly have a history of determination, ability to meet all obstacles, fight for personal freedom, and tenacity to keep coming back to fight another day - for education."

English instructor Cynthia Hicks commented in an e-mail, "We have great talent here at Chabot. If anyone would like to see more of Clayton Thiel's work, come up to Tutorials in 2351. Clayton has generously displayed some of his work on the balcony, which we are in the process of making into a sculpture garden with seating for students and staff who want to study or meet there. Or just enjoy the day."

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