After ditching Voodoos, Rutland Secondary has chosen a new team name

There’s a good chance that AC/DC’s hit song "Thunderstruck" will blare before big games at Rutland Secondary School (RSS) going forward.

That’s because the school’s newly-selected team name is Thunder, which beat out Wolverines in the final vote among students.

A new name was needed after the school decided earlier this year to ditch the long-standing name Voodoos following concerns from students about it being culturally insensitive.

Principal Hugh Alexander said Rutland Thunder “has a ring to it,” but the best part was seeing students “get together and rally behind the new name.”

He’s confident the community will do the same at “many events to come,” noting that he “can hear the stomping in the bleachers already.”

While a new name has been selected, the process is not yet complete. Students will once again lead the efforts to pick a new logo for the RSS teams.

The school has confirmed that it will keep its familiar blue and gold colours.

"It was really exciting for students to drive a change that will shape the identity of our school," said Katrina Graham, grad council vice-president.

"Rutland is so much more than a mascot, but we are thrilled with the possibilities this opens up to reflect who we are and build a legacy."