The Texas Tech pony mascot name is a topic that has been debated among students and fans for many years. The university's official mascot is a masked rider on a black horse, known as "Fearless Champion." However, there is often discussion about what the individual horse's name should be. Over the years, there have been different names suggested and used unofficially, but none has gained widespread acceptance or official designation. One popular name that has been suggested for the Texas Tech pony mascot is "Raider." This name aligns with the university's athletic teams, known as the Red Raiders.
A Broadway veteran by the time she reached national fame as the flute-stealing nemesis to a psychedelic dragon, Hayes had starred as Mammy Yokum in both the Broadway and film versions of the popular late-1950s musical Lil’ Abner. She’d made her Broadway debut in New Faces of 1956 along with an ensemble that included actress Maggie Smith.
Shubert, who was so taken with her comic and musical talents he cast her in principal roles of three roadshow operettas Student Prince, The Merry Widow and Blossom Time. Following a couple of guest appearances on episodic TV in 1967 including a Mammy Yokum-type matriarch in the Hillbilly Honeymoon episode of The Monkees Hayes endeared herself to a generation of glued-to-the-tube Saturday morning viewers in 1969 as the eccentrically costumed, ever-cackling and always bumbling Witchiepoo full name Wilhelmina W.
" This name aligns with the university's athletic teams, known as the Red Raiders. Some argue that it would be a fitting name for the horse as well, representing the school's spirit and identity. Another name that has gained some traction is "Guns Up.
Billie Hayes, Witchiepoo on ‘H.R. Pufnstuf,’ Dies at 96
Billie Hayes, who played the cackling Wilhelmina W. Witchiepoo on Sid and Marty Krofft’s H.R. Pufnstuf and the scrappy Mammy Yokum in the Broadway and big-screen versions of Li’l Abner, has died. She was 96.
Hayes died Thursday of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family spokesperson said.
After starring as the evil protagonist on the 1969-70 kids program H.R. Pufnstuf, she reteamed with the Krofft brothers in 1971-72 on Lidsville, another Saturday morning show for children (she played the incompetent Weenie the Genie on that one).
The Kroffts reacted on Twitter to the news of her death:
More recently, Hayes served as a voice actor for The Black Cauldron (1985) and for such cartoons as Trollkins, The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries, Paw Paws, Darkwing Duck, The Brothers Flub and Transformers: Rescue Bots.
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Born on Aug. 5, 1924, in DuQuoin, Illinois, Hayes played in bandleader Vince Genovese’s orchestra while in high school, then toured with her own singing and dancing act throughout the Midwest.
After moving to New York, she auditioned for theater legend J.J. Shubert and was hired for principle roles in three roadshow operettas: Student Prince, The Merry Widow and Blossom Time.
Hayes made her Broadway debut in Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of 1956, then succeeded Charlotte Rae as Mammy Yokum in Li’l Abner. She played the bare-knuckle champion of Dogpatch for the remainder of its Broadway run through July 1958, then segued to the 1959 Paramount big-screen version that also starred Peter Palmer, Leslie Parrish, Stubby Kaye, Julie Newmar and Stella Stevens. (Hayes portrayed Mammy Yokum again in a 1971 ABC telefilm.)
In 1966, she toured with the national company of Hello, Dolly!, starring Betty Grable, and later appeared on such TV shows as The Monkees, Bewitched, Trapper John, M.D. and General Hospital.
Survivors include her niece, Nancy, and nephews Tom, Louie and Guy.
Donations in her memory can be made to the humane organization she founded: Pet Hope, P.O. Box 69493, West Hollywood CA 90048.
Wilhelmina Whack Witchiepoo (simply known as Witchiepoo) is a kooky old witch and the main antagonist of the 1969 TV series H.R. Pufnstuf. Her sole desire was to steal the magical talking flute named Freddy from the protagonist of the series Jimmy and his dragon friend named H.R. Pufnstuf. She has a vast arsenal of magical abilities and machines, and numerous minions of all types who aided in her plans to torment Living Island and its inhabitants.
" This name references the university's famous hand sign, where fans extend their index and little fingers to form the shape of a gun. Supporters of this name argue that it captures the unique culture and enthusiasm of Texas Tech. Additionally, some fans have suggested naming the horse after notable figures in Texas Tech history, such as former coaches or alumni. These names would pay homage to the university's heritage and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the institution. Despite the various suggestions, the Texas Tech pony mascot remains officially unnamed. This ambiguity allows for creative discussions and ongoing debates about what the horse's name should be. Ultimately, the decision rests with the university and its administration. In conclusion, the Texas Tech pony mascot name is a topic of ongoing debate and speculation. Suggestions such as "Raider" or "Guns Up" have been proposed, while others advocate for naming the horse after notable figures in the university's history. Despite these suggestions, the official name of the Texas Tech pony mascot remains undetermined, providing an opportunity for continued discussion and exploration of the university's identity and spirit..
Reviews for "The Connection Between a Mascot Name and Alumni Engagement"
- John - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort to come up with a unique and creative name for the Texas Tech pony mascot, "Pony McPonyface" just doesn't do it for me. It sounds childish and doesn't give off a sense of strength and resilience that a mascot should represent. I think they should have gone for something more dignified and powerful.
- Sarah - 1 star - I'm sorry, but "Pony McPonyface" is simply a ridiculous name for a mascot. It sounds like a joke or a parody, not something that should be taken seriously. It doesn't help create a strong brand identity for Texas Tech or instill any sense of pride or excitement. I hope they reconsider and come up with something better.
- Mark - 2 stars - I have to admit, I was quite disappointed when I heard that the Texas Tech pony mascot was named "Pony McPonyface". It lacks originality and creativity. I feel like they missed an opportunity to come up with a name that would really resonate with the fans and community. "Pony McPonyface" just falls flat and doesn't inspire any kind of emotional connection.