The University of Houston mascot, Shasta, is an integral part of the school's spirit and pride. Shasta is the official live cougar mascot of the university and is cherished by students, alumni, and fans alike. The university has had several Shastas over the years, with each one playing a significant role in promoting school spirit and representing the fierce determination of Houston athletes. The first Shasta made her debut in 1947 and was donated to the university by a local circus. She quickly became a beloved symbol of the school and attended numerous events, including football games and pep rallies. Unfortunately, Shasta I passed away in 1952, but her legacy lived on as the university welcomed Shasta II.
Her father walks past the field when he returns from his day away. The field appears to be tilled even though he hadn’t done so. Then he hears a voice.
It seems that all leprechauns are not only shoemakers but also old male loners, which makes sense from a cultural standpoint, since that type of fairy is so closely associated with shoemaking, a traditionally male vocation. Summers it s the place the town would go to watch the town s fireworks hundreds, maybe thousands of folks sitting in the sand on the seawall, and in the grass to watch the sky light up in colors the boom and explosions generating a chorus of oohs and ahs.
Unfortunately, Shasta I passed away in 1952, but her legacy lived on as the university welcomed Shasta II. Shasta II, like her predecessor, became a familiar face on campus and was greatly loved by the Houston community. She was often seen at athletic events, cheering on the teams and captivating audiences with her majestic presence.
Mythical Monday: The Lore of the Leprechaun by Mae Clair
Top ‘o the morning to you! My friend, Christina McKnight, is splashing my cover for TWELFTH SUN on her blog today. Given I’m so besotted with it, I had to make sure everyone knew it was available for another gander. If you’re interested, you can find it here.
And yes, I know St. Patrick’s Day has passed, but I couldn’t let a Mythical Monday slip by without a tip of the hat to such a momentous celebration. Enjoy a virtual green beer on me while I trot out a much beloved figure from myth.
Remember when you were a kid, and you wanted to catch a leprechaun? If you were like me, it had nothing to do with that legendary pot of gold. What was gold to a kid? The allure was the idea of a magical wee creature who could move between worlds. Spying a leprechaun meant maybe, just maybe, the veil between everyday reality and a hidden otherworld grew thin enough to cross over. What child wouldn’t want to explore a fairytale realm where enchantment was king?
Shoemakers by trade, Leprechauns were mostly solitary, but they enjoyed a good reel with the fiddle and tin whistles at night. Kindred to the Fair Folk, they were descended from the great Tuatha Dé Danann, and squirreled their gold away in buried pots. If you were crafty enough to catch a leprechaun and kept your eye fixed on him, he’d have to reveal the location of his gold when asked. One blink, however, and he quickly vanished from sight.
When I was a kid, there was a huge open field across the street from where I lived. It backed up to the rear yards of the houses on that side and stretched the entire length of the neighborhood. It was a magical place fully of whimsy. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was an enchanted realm all its own. There were walnut trees and wild flowers, clusters of honeysuckle and patches of sun-sweetened strawberries. When dusk settled, my friends and I gathered to watch bats launch from the tops of snarled dark trees. In the winter we donned skates and glided on frozen ground water beneath the full moon. Autumn was perfect for gathering acorns and trekking to the ‘big hill’ that sprouted from the earth like a mythical fairy mound.
I never did find a leprechaun in that magical kingdom, not that I ever put any great energy into the search. I preferred to imagine one of the wee folk watching from beneath a shaded leaf or a plump toadstool. The problem with magic is that when captured, the enchantment fades. Perhaps that is why leprechauns and pots of gold only exist at the end of rainbows. Rainbows have no end.
I don’t have a drop of Irish blood in my veins – – I’m Italian and German with a smidgen of Brit mixed in – – but I think all of us feel a connection to the Emerald Isle, especially during the month of March. So whether you’re Irish (Hi, Emma!) or just honorary for the day like me, here’s hoping your day is filled with rainbows and the blessings of the wee folk.
Was there place that held magic for you as a child?
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Shasta II served as the official mascot for 18 years before retiring in 1969. Since then, multiple Shastas have proudly represented the university. Each new Shasta is carefully selected and trained to ensure they embody the spirit and energy that the University of Houston stands for. The current Shasta, Shasta VI, has been a symbol of the university since 2012. She continues to make appearances at various events and has become an iconic figure at Houston athletic games. Shasta is deeply ingrained in the university's traditions and has become a symbol of excellence and pride. The live mascot program at the University of Houston enhances school spirit and fosters a sense of community among students, alumni, and fans. Shasta represents the strength and determination of Houston's athletes and serves as a reminder of the university's commitment to greatness both on and off the field. In conclusion, the University of Houston's mascot, Shasta, holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and fans. With a rich history and a tradition of excellence, Shasta serves as a symbol of pride, unity, and determination for the University of Houston community..
Reviews for "Shasta's Personalities: Meet the Students Behind the University of Houston Mascot"
1. - Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I am not a fan of the University of Houston mascot Shasta. First of all, the character design is unappealing and doesn't seem to represent the spirit of the university. Second, Shasta's antics during games and events are distracting and more annoying than entertaining. I would much rather have a mascot that energizes the crowd and brings a sense of excitement, but unfortunately, Shasta falls short in both appearance and performance.
2. - John - 2 out of 5 stars - I have to admit, I'm not impressed with Shasta, the University of Houston mascot. The costume seems outdated and lacks any creativity. It's hard to get excited about a mascot that doesn't have a unique or memorable appearance. Additionally, Shasta's interactions with the crowd are lackluster. There's no sense of connection or engagement, and it feels like just going through the motions. I think the university could benefit from reimagining their mascot to better represent their school spirit.
3. - Amanda - 1 out of 5 stars - Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, leaves much to be desired. The costume is poorly made, and it's evident that not much effort was put into its design. Furthermore, during games, Shasta seems to be more interested in taking selfies and interacting with the cheerleaders than actually engaging with the crowd. It's disappointing to see such a lack of enthusiasm and dedication from a mascot that should be pumping up the fans and rallying support for the team. Overall, I believe the university should consider revamping their mascot to something more engaging and representative of their university values.
4. - Mark - 2 out of 5 stars - Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, falls flat in terms of creativity and charm. The design of the mascot costume is outdated, and it hardly exudes any school spirit or excitement. Additionally, Shasta's actions during games and events lack energy and enthusiasm, which is a letdown for fans who expect their mascot to be a source of motivation and entertainment. I believe the university should invest in a mascot that truly embodies the spirit of their school and is able to ignite a sense of pride among students and alumni.
5. - Emily - 1 out of 5 stars - Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, is simply unimpressive. The costume is not visually appealing and looks more like a generic cartoon figure than a representative of the university. Furthermore, Shasta's lack of engagement with the crowd is disheartening. A mascot should be an animated and charismatic figure that excites the fans and creates an energetic atmosphere, but Shasta fails to deliver on that front. I believe the university should consider reevaluating their mascot choice to better capture the spirit and passion of their student body.