The University of Charlotte mascot is the 49er. The 49er is a symbol of the university's rich history and connection to the city of Charlotte, which was founded during the gold rush of 1849. The mascot represents the university's commitment to excellence, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. The 49er mascot is often portrayed as a rugged, gold miner character, complete with a pickaxe and gold pan. The mascot can be seen at various sporting events, cheering on the university's teams and engaging with fans. The 49er also serves as a symbol of unity and pride for students, faculty, and alumni of the university.
Davidson Wildcats
During the winter of 1892, some students pulled a prank by making a wildcat out of rags and wire and fooling their buddy into shooting it. Let this be a lesson, students: If your prank is good enough, your college might fashion it into a mascot.
But A T s been using a bulldog as a mascot for as long as anyone can remember, which means everyone can blame themselves for eating their own homework. North Carolina Tar Heels Rather than confront the stark difficulty of humanizing a foot, UNC went with Rameses the Ram in 1924, borrowing the nickname of star fullback Jack Battering Ram Merrit.
The 49er also serves as a symbol of unity and pride for students, faculty, and alumni of the university. In addition to its role as a mascot, the 49er is also incorporated into the university's branding and imagery. The university's athletic teams are referred to as the Charlotte 49ers, and the 49er logo is prominently displayed on uniforms, banners, and merchandise.
A Guide to North Carolina’s College Mascots
The only way we could get this motley crew of birds, beasts, and men to pose together was to illustrate them. But the rivalries between these Division I good luck charms are good-natured — we think.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Rather than confront the stark difficulty of humanizing a foot, UNC went with Rameses the Ram in 1924, borrowing the nickname of star fullback Jack “Battering Ram” Merrit. The mascot stuck when a kicker hit a game-winning field goal in the presence of a live Rameses the university had ordered. From Texas.
Duke Blue Devils
In 1921, the student newspaper led a write-in campaign to choose a mascot, and no clear favorite emerged, so they were all like, fine, let’s just go with Blue Devils, and it stuck. The name is connected more closely to a unit of elite French soldiers than it is to any nefarious biblical figure; hopefully that’ll help you sleep better before the game.
N.C. State Wolfpack
In the 1940s, students actually got a real live timber wolf to appear at football games. It snarled a lot. It was a bit too fierce. Since then, no live wolves. In 2010, the university instead began using Tuffy the Tamaskan dog, who looks a lot like a wolf but isn’t closely related to one. Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Wuf are still around. And plush.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Look, a top hat and tails might seem like a bit much for the sidelines, but this guy’s been wearing the same thing since 1941. It’s like he’s formal, but he’s here to party, too.
East Carolina Pirates
Elementary school students, not ECU students, chose the mascot and his name, Pee Dee the Pirate, in 1983. The name Pee Dee was dropped, but the Pirate remains, and he now makes his way from Greenville to the coast by using U.S. Highway 264 instead of the Tar River.
Campbell Fighting Camels
His name’s Gaylord, and he’s a hairy dromedary, ladies. You have to travel roughly 4,000 miles from Buies Creek before you can hope to find a camel in the wild, unless one gets loose from a petting zoo.
Western Carolina Catamounts
A catamount is a wild cat like a cougar or a lynx, which sounds fierce until you learn that WCU’s mascot is named Paws (awwwwwww). Before 1933, the college’s athletic teams were known as The Teachers.
N.C. A&T Aggies
An aggie is just a nickname for a student at an agricultural and technical school, so in a way, they’re all mascots. But A&T’s been using a bulldog as a mascot for as long as anyone can remember, which means everyone can blame themselves for eating their own homework.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs
Bulldogs don’t so much run as lollop along quickly, jowls bouncing. It’s safe to say that the athletes in Boiling Springs are a bit more graceful.
Davidson Wildcats
During the winter of 1892, some students pulled a prank by making a wildcat out of rags and wire and fooling their buddy into shooting it. Let this be a lesson, students: If your prank is good enough, your college might fashion it into a mascot.
N.C. Central Eagles
The university’s founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, used to explain it thusly: “And while a Sparrow clings to its flock, an Eagle soars alone.” There’s no I in team, though, nor in eagle.
Elon Phoenix
Elon’s only been the Phoenix for 14 years. The name alludes to the school’s recovery from a 1923 fire that ripped through campus. Before that they were the Fightin’ Christians, but the bearded mascot who roamed the sidelines didn’t seem like the fisticuffin’ type.
Appalachian State Mountaineers
Yosef first appeared in the student newspaper as a drawing, because an editor needed to fill some white space. Since then, he’s grown a beard, donned overalls, and has been known to beat back Wolverines from time to time.
Charlotte 49ers
UNC Charlotte became a two-year college in 1949. California’s gold rush happened in 1849, years after Charlotte’s. N.C. Highway 49 runs by the university. The mascot’s name is Norm the Niner, which rhymes with miner. I think you get the idea.
This story was published on Aug 25, 2014
Jeremy Markovich
Jeremy Markovich is a former Our State editor, and is currently the communications director for the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. Find his newsletter, North Carolina Rabbit Hole, at ncrabbithole.com.
N.C. Central Eagles
The university’s founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, used to explain it thusly: “And while a Sparrow clings to its flock, an Eagle soars alone.” There’s no I in team, though, nor in eagle.
The 49er mascot serves as a rallying point for school spirit and pride. It represents the university's past, present, and future, embodying the values and traditions that make the University of Charlotte a respected institution of higher education. Whether it's at a basketball game, a football game, or other campus events, the 49er mascot can be seen bringing energy and excitement to the university community. Through its presence and symbolism, the 49er mascot helps create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, faculty, and fans of the University of Charlotte..
Reviews for "The Role of a Mascot: How Norm the Niner Enhances the University of Charlotte Experience"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the University of Charlotte mascot. It just didn't feel very representative of the school or its values. The costume design was outdated and didn't seem to have much thought put into it. Additionally, the mascot's performance was lackluster and didn't generate any excitement or school spirit. Overall, I felt let down and would have liked to see a more dynamic and engaging mascot for the university.
- Sarah - 1 star - The University of Charlotte mascot was a complete letdown. It lacked creativity and originality. The costume design was generic and boring, and it didn't evoke any sense of school pride or enthusiasm. The mascot's movements were stiff and robotic, making it difficult to connect with the crowd and create a memorable experience. Honestly, I expected much more from such a prestigious university and was left feeling underwhelmed.
- Michael - 2 stars - The University of Charlotte mascot was a huge disappointment. The costume design was outdated and didn't have any distinguishing features that set it apart from other mascots. It seemed like a cheap knock-off rather than a representation of the university. The mascot's interaction with the crowd was limited, and it failed to generate any real excitement or school spirit. It's a shame that such a prestigious institution couldn't invest in a more engaging and memorable mascot.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really unimpressed with the University of Charlotte mascot. The costume design looked like it hadn't been updated in decades, and it felt outdated and out of touch. The mascot's performance was lackluster and didn't effectively engage with the crowd or create a sense of school spirit. It was a missed opportunity to have a mascot that students and alumni could rally behind and be proud of. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.