implementation of the new mascot was derailed as the university community focused Players and fans It's said that she was retired so soon due to an unruly attitude. Cougar fact sheet A group of students known as the Cougar Guard was formed to care for Shasta, and she was brought to football games to help pump up students and fans. the red-shouldered hawk as the official mascot. Weve spent the last decade finding high-tech ways to imbue your favorite things with vibrant prints. UHCL's Mascot Program exists to foster campus pride and spirit. $(function () { $("#Datepicker").datepicker(); }); Event Location an icon out of the blue and green UHCL logo to promote their planning efforts. And why the American Motors needed a live Cougar in their commercials, we may never know. UHs school history became intertwined with its tradition of Shasta. I spent an equal amount of time each school and I had very different specific experiences that defined me as a student and as a person," Johnson said. a sense of ownership of the university environment, and apparently, of the mascot, We have over a decade of experience creating beautiful pieces of custom-made keepsakes and our state of the art facility is able to take on any challenge. The fraternity held a Name the Mascot competition, and student Joe Randol won with the entry Shasta.. According to Dr. Michael Dressman, an English professor at the school, it was faculty members who decided on the gator as the mascot. Lyrics: Forest Fountain Music: Marion Ford, The Alma Mater All hail to thee, Our Houston University. [2]. takes you. Format must be like h:mm AM/PM we encourage you to attend a virtual, no-commitment informational session. And, it only makes Following her service as the University of Houston mascot, she resided at the Houston Zoo. to the nature surrounding UHCL, not to mention a six-foot-tall hawk. Why does University of Houston-Downtown have an alligator as a mascot and not a cougar? main areas, Hunter the Hawk and their Flight Crew. She only served three years due to the difficulty in controlling her. Another Houstonian, Olivia Johnson, graduated from UHD in May 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Rhetorical Public Communication. Invalid character(s), Event Start Time(h:mm am/pm) The solution was that the new University of Houston Downtown College would become its own administrative entity and would change its mascot and colors, with the school soon being represented by a jaunty alligator that walked upright. After Shasta Vs death in 1989, UH decided not to adopt a new live mascot, opting instead for costumed students to carry on the tradition of Shasta on game day in place of the live cougars, a custom that has persisted to this day. This is a carousel. David was a staunch supporter of the University and his death was a blow to the original men who ran the siren. In the fall of 1991, a group of students manned a crank siren while waiting for the new siren to arrive. Requestor email Address Members of the Cougar Guard posing with Shasta. After Shasta V, interim President George Magner ended the tradition of a live mascot at the university, until 2012. Shasta IV (19771980) was also known as "Baby Shasta". It was almost impossible for new members to handle her. Required "I have seen evidence of them, areas of compacted vegetation where they 'slide' back into the water.". The colors were changed to a patriotic blue and red in the mid-'90s and the UHD logo as most know it today was designed by Houston native and UH alum Joe Wynne. Graduating seniors get a Cougar Spirit Cord to wear at graduation as well as a head start in UHs proud tradition of alumni giving. It was never revealed what further penalty the student in the duck suit faced. | File photo. The ring is presented to upcoming graduates semester at a formal ring ceremony. In 1983 the name was changed to simply the University of Houston-Downtown, with college being dropped from the moniker. If you would like to support the Mascot Program, contact: Phone: (281) 283-2021Fax: (281) 283-2017Email: gifts@uhcl.edu, Bayou Building B25082700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 318Houston, TX 77058-1002. Well always adore thee Dear old varsity. At game time, Cougar fans show their support by making the "Cougar sign," made by folding the ring finger of the right hand toward the palm. IV was purchased as a young cub and was initially easy to handle by the guard members at that time, but she became more and more difficult as those members left the guard or graduated. Because of his fondness for the animal, Bender decided it would be the name of his new teams. Accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums "But probably a gator. These discussions eventually led to a mascot selection contest in the '90s. As it is a program ran solely by students, event requests are filled on a first come first serve basis. The origin of Shasta dates back to 1927 when John R. Bender, a former head football coach of the Washington State Cougars came to Houston. UH Get Involved has your back with activities and ways to relax. Courtesy of Houstonian, 1950. The only qualification was that the mascot could not be Too often, great ideas and memories are left in the digital realm, only to be forgotten. Texans QB Davis Mills showing teammates this is his team, This Texas Hill Country town is the new, cooler Fredericksburg, UHD's oldest & youngest graduates show that age has no boundaries, Top 25 safest four-year public universities in Texas, Laredo Taqueria on Washington deals with litigious neighbors and drunks from nearby clubs, One of Houston's best Mexican restaurants is housed in an old 1930s soda fountain, Alex Jones attorney flips middle finger to lawyer representing Sandy Hook victims' families, Live out your 'Bridgerton' dreams at this $19.5 million Houston estate, Houston's best colleges, determined by alumni salary, Alvarez hits RBI single in 10th to lift Astros over Mariners 3-2, Bun B wins best burger in U.S. on Good Morning America. university in 2013. The UH Frontiersmen display the Texas flag and the University of Houston flag at football games.They were established in 1948 to promote Cougar spirit. According to the school's archives, after the former South Texas Junior College was bought by the University of Houston in the spring of 1974 there was a call to differentiate the new school from the one off Cullen by grumbling UH faculty. pic.twitter.com/8FzEbk3YBX. by 1991, through a number of refinements by the efforts of the "H" Association, the Taxi Squad, Pleas Doyle and the Hruska Family, the purchase of the siren was complete. Serving as a campus pet, feline guest of honor at events and mascot at football games, Shastas I through V were, literally, the pride of UH. It is a great way to help make more scholarships available to next years students while the graduating students show their support for a program that has made a difference in their UH experience. Once Shasta arrived at UH, students took part in APOs Name the Mascot. Thewinning submission camefrom student Joe Randol: Shasta, denoting a colloquial version of the phrase She has to. Shasta have a cage, Shasta have a keeper, Shasta have a winning ball club, Shasta have the best, Randol said. across campus, as seen in the UHCLidian now The Signal - in 2001, 2007, 2008 and The UHV Mascot Program offers both university and community members to request jaX the Jaguar at their events. An Oklahoma city's first openly gay mayor resigned. In 1995, the University introduced Sasha as the female cheerleader counterpart to the costumed Shasta. After making the decision to leave the care of a live mountain lion to a handful of fraternity members, UH decided to take a step further and keep iton campus. When you Adopt Shasta, youll help ensure the Zoo continues to provide the very best care and feeding for Shasta and our family of 6,000 animal ambassadors. Shasta acts as an ambassador for his counterparts in the wild while faithfully representing the spirit of the University of Houston. By September, 10 semi-finalists emerged from the original 168 entries: Required, Will a parking place be available close to the event? Leading." Privacy Policy. Maybe theyrelike the velociraptorsin Jurassic Park or Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl., Shasta isnt the only cougar to be associated with the University of Houston. chance to support the university through financial contributions. Leading campaign, however, without a live Shasta. The Cougar is the official student-run news organization of the University of Houston. The costumed Shasta mascot eventually began making appearances with Shasta, and now the two are seen at many University of Houston events. This University-produced 30-minute documentary tells the compelling story of the University and the city of Houston during World War II. IV was purchased when III got very sick (she was expected to die then, but she recovered and lived a few years longer). You play a crucial role in the success of the Houston Zoo's education and animal care programs, global field projects, and local conservation initiatives through your donations. In the late 80's, Coach Jack Pardee, Andre Ware and David Daucus felt that the university lacked a symbol for the football team. In 1996, the Frontiersmen displayed the Texas Flag alongside the University of Houston Flag at football games as part of our respect and obligation to represent the State of Texas as the only member from Texas in Conference USA. Then came the fallout. With. You can also submit your own story idea. Though Shasta V was the last live cougar to be brought to games the legacy still lives on in Shasta VI, who resides at the Houston zoo. An oil field warning siren was chosen by 1991, through a number of refinements by the efforts of the "H" Association, the Taxi Squad, Pleas Doyle and the Hruska Family, the purchase of the siren was complete. Shortly after, through a partnership with UH, the new mountain lion was dubbed Shasta VI. 2022 University of Houston. In October of 1990, UHCL Executive Council narrowed the finalists to five, and Scott However, no consensus was reached, stories, and more. It is a gift the UH Alpha Phi Omega chapter made to the university in 1970. We wear red to show our pride and passion for the University. and submit a contest entry based on the name, including a drawing or pictorial representation, Twentyyears after settling on the Cougar as their official mascot, the University of Houston made the logical decision to begin keeping live mountain lions on retainer. David was a staunch supporter of the University and his death was a blow to the original men who ran the siren. Our hearts fill with gladness When we think of thee. Check out the the new additions. That summer David Carl Blazek passed away. Shastas Den was home to Shasta II and later, her successors, Shasta III, IV and V. Shasta III and V were retired due to health issues, while Shasta II and IV were both retired due to unruly behavior. slogan, rationale, and ideas for mascot use. Looking for a career change? Learn how you can make your Cougar Spirit gift today! The mascot was nicknamed the Ed-U-Gator but these days he's also known as Allen when he makes his rounds at student functions. Frontiersmen are also very involved with off campus events and charities, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Sunshine Kids, Cougar Cookers and "H" Association events. Luckily. over 40 minors to choose from, UHCL has something for every interest. University of Oregon's mascot was suspended for their next game against Fresno State as a disciplinary action. The student academic experience is priority with this program, but every effort to fulfill your request will be made. Phone: 281-283-2560Fax: 281-283-2566Email: getinvolved@uhcl.eduSSCB 12042700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 198Houston, TX 77058-1002Regular office hours:Mon. During the 1980s, UHCL boasted an active intramural sports program. Invalid input. At sporting events, the campus rallies around Shasta, UH's cougar mascot.Between 1947 and 1989, five live cougars served as mascots; since Shasta V's death in 1989, costumed students have carried on the tradition. (Please be aware that mascots will need to take a break every 30-45 minutes). Contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its students as a whole. Here are just a few of the traditions that the University celebrates as a whole: Each year, the university celebrates Frontier Fiesta.Dating back to 1940, this student-run event features free live concerts, variety shows by student organizations, carnival booths, multicultural performances, and a world-class BBQ cook-off. 2 Houston Zoo tickets In summer 1999, students planning the second annual Welcome Back to School Bash created If you have any specific questions about jaX the Jaguar, you can email Mr. Cesar Gonzalez at gonzalezca6@uhv.edu or call (361) 485-4584. New residents threatened to sue local taqueria over fajita smoke, Houston's best Mexican restaurant is in a 1930s soda fountain, Alex Jones attorney flips off Sandy Hook families' lawyer, Deshaun Watson gets muted reaction at Browns' open practice, How Astros got creative to sign high school stud Ryan Clifford, $19.5M Houston mansion feels like you're living in 'Bridgerton', This Dallas Dive Bar Just Opened a Sunny Swim Club, Bun B wins best burger in the U.S. on Good Morning America, Trained, armed and readyto teach kindergarten. University of Texas students caught wind of the cats wound and imitated it by folding their thumbs over their ring fingers in order to take a jab at the Cougars, who lost the game 28-7. 57 photo of Shasta The first official version was placed on the floor of the Roy Cullen Building. Today, Shasta lives a healthy and active life at the Zoo alongside Haley, our female cougar. The fight was captured by both amateur video and game cameras, and was subsequently posted on YouTube as well as being reported on by most major media organizations including ESPN. UHD continues to be a separate entity from UH although it is a part of the UH system which also includes the Clear Lake and Victoria campuses. Before a big game, Cougar fans rub the paws of the cougar statues in Cullen Family Plaza, in front of the E. Cullen Building.The statues were a gift to the university from John and Rebecca Moores in 2004. The seal was adopted by UH in 1938 in conjunction with the construction of the campus. Courtesy of Houstonian, 1968. While the live cougar mascots had all been female, the costumed Shasta wears a football uniform. Though the tradition lives on through Shasta VI at the Houston Zoo and school lore, here are a few things most people dont know about Shasta. Words and music by Harmony Class of 1942. So next time youre downtown maybe stop by to say hi to Shasta VI. UH has a long tradition of community service.Located on the University of Houston campus is a very special monument. its attention on the search for a new president after the resignation of Dr. Thomas Blockie was used by Student Involvement and Leadership to promote a range of activities Learn how you can make your Cougar Spirit gift today!