The UNC mascot, Tamesea, is a beloved symbol of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tamesea has been a part of the university community for many years, and her presence brings a sense of pride and unity to Tar Heel fans. Tamesea, a live costumed ram, embodies the spirit and energy of UNC. She can be seen at various athletic events, cheering on the Tar Heels and interacting with fans. Tamesea's lively antics and friendly demeanor make her a favorite among spectators. The origin of the UNC mascot dates back to the early 20th century when the university's sports teams were referred to as the "Babies.
So when did the costume version come into existence? The school wanted a mascot that could attend indoor events. Due to popular demand, in 1987-1988 the first costume version of Rameses was officially established at UNC. However, the first version was not well received and described as “wimpy.” Changes were made, and in 1989, a meaner looking mascot debuted and helped shape the version of what you see today.
Huggins received the okay from the athletic business manager and 25 dollars later, Rameses I was plucked out of Texas and inserted into the UNC lineup of mascots. Every autumn, a few hours before home games, family and friends gather at Hogan s Magnolia View Farm on Old NC Highway 86, just as they have for decades.
The origin of the UNC mascot dates back to the early 20th century when the university's sports teams were referred to as the "Babies." However, in the 1920s, a sportswriter coined the term "Tar Heels" to describe the team's fast, aggressive playstyle. The ram was then chosen as the official symbol of the UNC sports teams to represent this strength and tenacity.
History of UNC’s mascot Rameses
With football season just around the corner and the Olympics getting under way, it seems like now is the best time to talk about everyone’s favorite mascot. I’m obviously talking about Rameses. Rameses has been the official mascot of the North Carolina Tar Heels since 1924. The story is right out of a fairy tale…minus the prince charming and instead a prince ram from the state of Texas.
This is what happened. Head cheerleader Vic Huggins noticed a lack of school spirit for the Tar Heels. So instead of making the school’s mascot a giant foot with black muck on the heel, he suggested that the team make its mascot a ram. The idea was based on UNC’s star football player, Jack Merritt, who was nicknamed, the “Battering Ram.”
Huggins received the okay from the athletic business manager and $25 dollars later, Rameses I was plucked out of Texas and inserted into the UNC lineup of mascots. The story sounds great and interesting but what happened next is where the fairy tale with prince ram became known.
Picture this; UNC was playing Virginia Military Institute in football. After three quarters the game was tied 0-0. Sounds like a boring game, but it wasn’t. I wasn’t there, but that’s what I’ve been told. It was time for one last desperation attempt to break the scoreless tie. Insert UNC’s kicker, Bunn Hackney. Before taking the field, Hackney rubbed Rameses’ head for some good luck. He took the field, lined up, and nailed a 30-yard DROP KICK for the win. Fairy tale ending. Roll credits. Rameses stuck and has been the mascot ever since.
So when did the costume version come into existence? The school wanted a mascot that could attend indoor events. Due to popular demand, in 1987-1988 the first costume version of Rameses was officially established at UNC. However, the first version was not well received and described as “wimpy.” Changes were made, and in 1989, a meaner looking mascot debuted and helped shape the version of what you see today.
The costume version of Rameses has evolved ever since first being established as UNC’s mascot. Just last year, a smaller, more friendlier-looking version of Rameses was created. This newly beloved mascot came to be known as Rameses Junior, or RJ. This was put into place to be more appealing to small children who found the mean-looking mascot scary and discomforting.
I went back and forth on whether to talk about this because I really only associate the good with Rameses. However, I decided to address the dark times that Rameses has endured.
In 1996 someone snuck onto the farm in which Rameses XXIII lived and killed the beautiful creature. The man was later caught and it was discovered that he was drunk and charged with animal cruelty and being a terrible human being.
In 2007, Jason Ray, the student dressed as the costume version of Rameses, was hit and killed by a van while walking on the road in New Jersey for the Tar Heels Sweet Sixteen matchup with the University of Southern California. Jason Ray helped save the lives of 118 people by being an organ donor. As a result, UNC renamed its transplant clinic to the “Jason Ray Transplant Clinic.”
Over time, there have been a total of 22 Rameses, including the current one, which recently became the father to twins during the Final Four this past year.
Speaking of the Final Four, the current Rameses was not punched after the Villanova game. I repeat, he was not punched after the Villanova game. He was, instead, bumped by workers setting up the stage for the ceremony, and tripped over a cheerleader’s foot. I’ve heard many things about what happened, including getting punched by a Villanova fan, and even heard rumors that a fellow UNC fan hit him. It is surprising how many people still think this is the case. So there it is, rumor debunked. I feel like the dudes from Myth Busters.
Anyways, Rameses has a deep and historical history that UNC fans should be proud of. From the game-winning kick, to the men like Jason Ray who wore the costume proudly and made the university even prouder through his heroic actions. It will be fun to see what other great things this mascot brings to the university for years to come.
Tamesea is not only a mascot but also an ambassador for the university. She visits local schools, attends community events, and participates in charitable activities. Her presence helps to promote school pride and inspire enthusiasm among students and alumni. While Tamesea is a cherished figure on campus, she is not without controversy. Some argue that using a live animal as a mascot is unethical and can put unnecessary stress on the animal. However, UNC takes great care of Tamesea, ensuring she has proper veterinary care and a comfortable living environment. Overall, Tamesea plays a vital role in the UNC community. She embodies the university's values of determination, strength, and camaraderie. Whether she's at a football game or visiting a local school, Tamesea brings a contagious energy that unites Tar Heel fans and represents the best of UNC..
Reviews for "Tamesea's Top 10 Moments as the Unc Mascot"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Unc mascot tamesea. It seemed like it was just thrown together without much thought or effort. The colors were dull and the design was uninspired. It didn't seem to represent the school or its values in any meaningful way. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster mascot that didn't bring any excitement or enthusiasm to games or events.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I have to say, the Unc mascot tamesea is probably the worst mascot I've ever seen. It's just so strange-looking and honestly, kind of creepy. I understand wanting to be unique and different, but this mascot took it to a whole new level. It doesn't even resemble anything related to the school or its sports teams. It's like they picked something random out of a hat and went with it. I really hope they consider redesigning it because it's just not working.
3. Mark - 2/5 - I don't understand the purpose of the Unc mascot tamesea. It looks more like a cartoon character than a traditional collegiate mascot. It's hard to take it seriously and it just doesn't seem to fit with the overall image of the school. I think they missed the mark with this one and should go back to the drawing board. A mascot should be something that brings pride and excitement to the fans, but this one falls flat and leaves me feeling underwhelmed.