What Makes The Cougar Their Mascot?

Brigham Young University (BYU) chose the cougar as its mascot in 1923, as it was native to Utah and exemplified the traits that athletes competing for the university would have. Cosmo, the official mascot of BYU’s athletic teams, is known for his flips, tricks, and impressive dance moves. In the past, Cosmo’s job was a volunteer position, and no scholarship or academic assistance was given. However, scholarships and other forms of financial support were provided.

The cougar has undergone a tremendous evolution since its inception to become what is now the feline phenomenon known as Cosmo the Cougar. For over 60 years, Cosmo has symbolized BYU standards, including his talents, intelligence, charisma, honor, and enthusiasm. He has been a staple in BYU athletic events, with female student Peggy Herron Mortensen being given the chance to play the mascot in 1956.

For more than a century, the spirit of the cougar has distinguished Washington State University and exemplified the heart of its community. The university purchased a pair of cougar cubs for 50 cents each in 1924 to excite BYU fans at athletic events. In the late 1940s and on special occasions, live cougars prowled the sidelines of BYU games.

In 1951, the university named the cougar after the governor at the time, Roland Hartley. Today, the university has three current mascots: Shasta VII and Louie (2022-present), who were adopted by the university after a rancher found them barely alive.

Over the years, the cougar has evolved into a symbol of strength, agility, grace, quickness, and beauty, symbolizing the university’s commitment to its students and community.

Why does WSU have bears?

The WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center is the sole grizzly bear research facility in the United States. It was established with the objective of providing valuable data for federal and state biologists engaged in the study of wild grizzly bears. The center was established due to the limited resources and bear numbers typically available in zoos, thereby facilitating more comprehensive studies.

Who is the cougar mascot?

Cosmo, the official mascot of Brigham Young University’s athletic teams, is seen at sporting events wearing the uniform of the team. Previously, Cosmo’s job was a volunteer position, with no scholarship or academic assistance. Today, scholarships and other benefits are offered. Cosmo is the brother of Cosmo Cougar Junior, Cooper Cougar, Corbin Cougar, Cosmabelle Cougar, and Charlotte Cougar. He was named the “National Champion” in the SXM College’s Twitter poll in April 2020.

Cosmo’s first appearance was on October 15, 1953, when Dwayne Stevenson, the pep chairman of BYU, bought the costume for $73 and persuaded his roommate Daniel T. Gallego to wear it. The name Cosmo derives from the word “cosmopolitan” and was chosen because BYU had recently been selected as a Cosmopolitan school. Since then, many people have been Cosmo, including BYU president Ernest L. Wilkinson and legendary football coach LaVell Edwards.

How is the WSU logo a cougar?

Johnson created a cougar head logo with an open-mouthed, snarling C on it, which was initially difficult to fit together. After a discussion with Dean Rounds, the drawing was presented to President Holland, who was on sabbatical at the time. Dean Herbert Kimbrough approved the design and it was used on a new college truck. In 1959, when the college became a university, Johnson revised the logo at the request of President C. Clement French, changing the “C” to a “U”. Johnson signed over the creative rights for the Cougar-head logo to the university for a token $1.

What is the cougar symbol at University of Houston?

The University of Houston (UH) has a tradition of supporting its fans by making the “Cougar Sign” at game time, which dates back to 1953 when the presiding cougar, Shasta I, lost a toe in a cage door. The Cougars adopted this gesture as a symbol of pride. Before the Ring Ceremony, each class ring spends the night with UH’s live cougar mascot, Shasta VII, at the Houston Zoo. Shasta blesses the rings, and students and alumni receive their class ring at the end of each fall and spring semester. The famous UH chant, “Whose House? Coogs House!”, started in the late 1980s, energizes fans and has remained a staple cheer at Cougar sporting events.

When did WSU become the cougars?

Washington State University’s mascot, Butch T. Cougar, was adopted in 1919 but was not born until 1927 when a cougar cub was presented to the student body. The cougar was named after Herbert “Butch” Meeker of Spokane, a 1920s football star. Butch was represented by a live cougar until 1978 when Butch VI, in declining health and approaching age 15, was euthanized. In October, university president Glenn Terrell decided to discontinue the live mascot tradition. The cougar was named after Herbert “Butch” Meeker of Spokane, a former football star at the university.

Why is uh mascot a cougar?

In 1946, the University of Houston named the cougar its official mascot after it became involved in intercollegiate sports. The Alpha Phi Omega fraternity raised funds to purchase a live cougar and held a contest to name it. Student Joe Randol won the contest with the name “Shasta”. From 1947 to 1989, a live cougar mascot was used, but from 1989 to 2012, Shasta existed as a costumed mascot. A current live mascot was adopted by the university through a partnership with the Houston Zoo, but costumed students portraying Shasta and Sasha are still used for game appearances. Shasta I (1947-1962) was the longest-serving mascot, purchased in Mexico in 1947 by the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. After her service, she resided at the Houston Zoo.

What is the cougar symbol in Houston?

The Cougar Sign, a symbol of UH pride, originated in 1953 when the University of Houston played The University of Texas in football. The mascot, Shasta I, was caught in a car door and one toe was cut off during the trip. The opposing team taunted UH players, claiming Shasta was invalid and their players were also. Texas won the game 28-7. UH students used the sign as a reminder to never let UT forget the incident. Fifteen years later, the UH Cougars played Texas again, this time in the Southwest Conference. In front of 77, 809 spectators, the Cougars defeated the Texas Longhorns, 30-30.

The Blaze, an oil field warning siren, represents the University’s ties to the petroleum industry. The Sigma Chi Fraternity has been in charge of the siren since 1991, and it was named “The BLAZE” in honor of their fallen brother, David Blazek. The Cougar Sign and the Blaze serve as symbols of UH pride and honor the university’s ties to the petroleum industry.

What is the nickname for the Washington State Cougars?

The Washington State Cougars, a member of the Pac-12 Conference in NCAA Division I, represent Washington State University. The athletic program includes ten women’s sports and seven men’s intercollegiate sports, as well as various intramural sports. The Cougars formerly had varsity programs in rowing, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, and rifle. In 1937, Roy Petragallo and Ed McKinnon won individual titles, and the Cougar team under coach Ike Deeter won the NCAA boxing championship, WSU’s first national championship.

However, college boxing fell out of favor in the 1950s, and the Cougar program was dropped 64 years ago in May 1960. The wrestling program was discontinued 38 years ago, and women’s gymnastics the following year. The current wrestling program competes in the NCWA division 1 and is a varsity sport. Other former programs include men’s swimming and skiing. WSU does not have a women’s softball program, one of three Pac-12 members (USC, Colorado) without one.

Why are the cougars uh?

John R. Bender, a former head football coach of the Washington State Cougars, named his new team after the big cat, the cougar. The University of Houston’s official mascot became the ‘Cougars’ by 1946. Bender coached football at Washington State from 1906 to 1907 and again from 1912 to 1914. After his varsity coaching days ended in 1921, he became a physical education instructor at Houston, coaching a non-varsity football team called the Cougars. The name became a popular symbol at the university, and the university did not add varsity football for about twenty more seasons.

Why is the WSU mascot a cougar?

In 1927, a live cougar was introduced to a school as a gift from Gov. Roland Hartley, named after the team’s current quarterback, Herbert “Butch” Meeker. Meeker, despite being 5 feet 5 inches tall, was known for his fierce competition. The Butch legacy was born, with six cougars representing the school’s spirit for five decades. The first cougar, Butch I, reigned until 1938, and the remaining mascots were Butch II through VI until 1978.

Why is BYU’s mascot a cougar?

In a recent publication, Eugene L. Roberts, a Utah-born coach and faculty member at Brigham Young University, posited that the cougar is an optimal choice for athletes competing at the university due to the animal’s notable characteristics, including strength, agility, grace, swiftness, and aesthetic appeal.