The University of Houston's mascot, Shasta, holds a special place in the hearts of students, faculty, and alumni. Shasta is a beloved symbol of school spirit and pride, representing the university's fierce and tenacious nature. Named after the tallest peak in Texas, Shasta embodies the strength and resilience of the university's community. Shasta made her first appearance as the official mascot in 1947, and since then, has been a prominent figure at sporting events and campus-wide celebrations. Shasta is an American Cougar, a powerful and majestic animal known for its speed and agility. The choice of mascot perfectly reflects the university's athletic prowess and competitive spirit.
Houston Zoo Welcomes Two Cougar Cubs
Throughout the years, UH and the zoo have partnered to celebrate special occasions, such as Shasta s birthday parties and live appearances via webcam at UH football games. Throughout the years, UH and the zoo have partnered to celebrate special occasions, such as Shasta s birthday parties and live appearances via webcam at UH football games.
The choice of mascot perfectly reflects the university's athletic prowess and competitive spirit. Shasta's sleek and muscular physique symbolizes the dedication and hard work of students and athletes alike. The university takes great care of Shasta, providing a comfortable habitat with spacious facilities where she can thrive.
Houston Zoo welcomes 2 cougar cubs, including new mascot, Shasta VII, for University of Houston
Welcome to H-town, Shasta VII and Louie! The cougar cubs found a new home at the Houston Zoo after a rancher discovered them orphaned at just 4-weeks old.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Watch out, Houston! There's a new, tiny, baby cougar in town!
The University of Houston announced on Thursday that two cougar cubs have found a new home at the Houston Zoo, and one of them will be the seventh live mascot for the school.
The cubs come three months after the university mourned the death of Shasta VI from progressive spinal disease. Not long after, Shasta VI's companion, Haley, also passed from kidney illness. Both illnesses are common in older cats.
Shortly after sending out the word that the Houston Zoo had space and expertise to care for cougars, two cubs were found alone in Washington state.
The Houston Zoo was contacted by Washington State Fish and Wildlife Services after a rancher found the two orphaned male cubs on his property.
The cubs, named Shasta VII and Louie, were an estimated 4 weeks old when they were found in October, making it unlikely that they would have survived on their own.
Within only a few days, they were on their way to Texas and now, the 8-week-old cubs are settling into their new life at the Houston Zoo.
The zoo will share updates on the boys as they continue to grow, and will invite the public to come see them once they are introduced to their new habitat.
"Shasta has shown himself to be the leader of the two by being protective of his smaller brother and being the calmer, more confident cub," the university said. "Shasta often sleeps or rests with a paw over Louie."
In the past, former Shastas played a pivotal role in cherished university traditions, including guarding the rings of the graduating classes, as well as the students who have recently received their class rings. All of the rings would be placed in a UH-themed box, which would spend the day in Shasta's habitat.
Throughout the years, UH and the zoo have partnered to celebrate special occasions, such as Shasta's birthday parties and live appearances via webcam at UH football games.
"Shasta has shown himself to be the leader of the two by being protective of his smaller brother and being the calmer, more confident cub," the university said. "Shasta often sleeps or rests with a paw over Louie."
As an ambassador for the university, Shasta attends various events and engages with the community, inspiring pride and enthusiasm among UH supporters. Over the years, Shasta has gone through several iterations, reflecting the evolution and growth of the university. Each Shasta has been a unique representation of the university's spirit and values. From Shasta I to the current Shasta VI, the legacy of this beloved mascot continues to live on. Shasta's presence at sporting events is particularly invigorating. The sight of Shasta prowling the sidelines, encouraging the teams with her vibrant energy, creates an atmosphere of excitement and unity among fans. Indeed, Shasta's roar and contagious enthusiasm have become synonymous with UH's commitment to excellence. The University of Houston's mascot, Shasta, serves as a reminder of the university's rich history and vibrant community. Shasta exudes an unmistakable sense of pride and determination, inspiring all who encounter her. As the embodiment of the UH spirit, Shasta continues to unite and captivate members of the university, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie..
Reviews for "Shasta's Impact on School Spirit: A Comparative Analysis of University of Houston"
1. Jane Smith - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the University of Houston mascot, Shasta. I felt like the costume was drab and lacked any creativity. The overall design was unimpressive and uninspiring. Additionally, the person inside the costume didn't seem to put much effort into their performance. I didn't feel any excitement or energy from the mascot. Overall, I think the University of Houston needs to work on improving their mascot to make it more engaging and memorable.
2. John Johnson - 1/5 - Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, was a complete letdown. The costume looked cheap and the colors were dull and unappealing. It seemed like the university didn't put much effort into creating an engaging and vibrant mascot. The person inside the costume also lacked enthusiasm and failed to interact with the crowd effectively. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. I think the university should seriously consider revamping their mascot to make it more appealing and captivating.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2/5 - As a fan of college sports, I have seen many mascots, and I have to say that Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, was quite disappointing. The costume lacked creativity and seemed outdated. The mascot's movements were stiff and robotic, lacking any sort of excitement or energy. I believe a university's mascot should be able to rally the crowd and create a sense of spirit and enthusiasm, but Shasta failed to do so. Overall, I was unimpressed with the University of Houston's mascot and believe they should invest in a more dynamic and engaging character.
4. Robert Davis - 3/5 - While I didn't particularly love Shasta, the University of Houston mascot, I think it has potential. The costume was decently designed, but it felt a bit outdated and could use some modernization. The person inside the costume did an alright job, but I didn't feel a strong connection or sense of excitement from them. I believe there is room for improvement, but with some tweaks and adjustments, Shasta could become a more memorable and engaging mascot. Overall, it wasn't terrible, but it definitely left something to be desired.