Oklahoma is home to several colleges and universities, each with its distinctive mascot. These mascots represent the spirit and identity of the institution, often embodying traits such as strength, resilience, and pride. Let's take a look at some of the popular college mascots in Oklahoma. One well-known mascot in Oklahoma is Big Red, the mascot of the University of Oklahoma. Big Red is a horse with a strong build, symbolizing power and endurance. This mascot embodies the thundering spirit of the university's athletic teams, especially the football team, known as the Oklahoma Sooners.
America's favorite mascot
A tradition was born in the early 1920s when OSU (then Oklahoma A&M College) began searching for a new mascot. The true roots of Pistol Pete go back more than a century ago. Pistol Pete is more than a character, he is a legend.
The character of OSU’s mascot, Pistol Pete, originated from an actual person named Frank B. Eaton. Eaton’s life began in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. Eaton and his family moved to Kansas shortly after the Civil War.
Eaton's life would take a dramatic turn at the age of eight when he witnessed the murder of his father by six vigilantes. From that moment on, Eaton was determined to even the score. He practiced his marksmanship until the age of 15, when he set out to search for his father’s killers. It took Eaton more than five years to track down and kill the men who had taken his father away, forever changing the course of his life.
The title of “cowboy” came naturally to Eaton as indicated in the roles in which he served throughout his life. Frank B. Eaton was given the nickname of “Pistol Pete” after beating out many cavalry competitors in a marksmanship contest at Ft. Gibson. He served as a U.S. Deputy Marshall under “hanging judge” Isaac Parker. Later in his life Eaton owned a blacksmith shop which served the surrounding communities.
In the 1920s, Eaton was involved in the Armistice Day Parade and OSU’s Homecoming Parade. This well-known and admired cowboy died in 1958. That same year Charlie Lester appeared as OSU’s first Pistol Pete mascot. Where Frank B. Eaton served as a strong symbol of the Old West then, “Pistol Pete” serves as a symbol of the cowboy spirit now and forever.
OU Mascots
The Sooner Schooner is a conestoga (covered wagon) reminiscent of the mode of travel used by pioneers who settled Oklahoma Territory around the time of the 1889 Land Run.
Powered by matching white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, the Schooner races across Owen Field in a triumphant victory ride after every OU score.
The Schooner was introduced in the fall of 1964 and become the official mascot of the Oklahoma Sooners in 1980.
The Ruf/Neks, OU's all-male spirit squad, maintain and drive the Schooner. Mick Cottom, a freshman Ruf/Nek member from Liberty Mounds, Okla., has the distinction of being the first person to pilot the Schooner across Owen Field in 1964.
The sight of the Sooner Schooner rolling across the field is one that Oklahoma fans (and most opponents) will always cherish as one of the best traditions in college athletics.
This mascot embodies the thundering spirit of the university's athletic teams, especially the football team, known as the Oklahoma Sooners. Another prominent college mascot in Oklahoma is Pistol Pete, representing Oklahoma State University. Pistol Pete is a cowboy figure, sporting the signature orange and black attire of the university.
Boomer & Sooner
Boomer and Sooner are the costumed mascots that represent the University and the OU Athletics Department. The characters are an extension of the Sooner Schooner and its horses to be enjoyed by fans -- especially children -- at all OU athletics contests.
The mascots were introduced at the Big Red Rally on campus on August 26, 2005. A number of groups participated in the process of researching and devising the new mascots over a period of nearly three years.
The OU Athletics Department and student leaders recognized the need for a mascot to provide representation at all OU athletics contests as well as attend charity events and visit children's hospitals.
With that in mind, student congress passed a resolution in favor of the development and implementation of a unified mascot. The Mascot Committee was formed and began work on what would become Boomer and Sooner.
This mascot symbolizes the historical ties of Oklahoma State to the cowboy culture of the state. Pistol Pete is often seen cheering on the Cowboys during football and basketball games. Moving on, we have Rowdy the Eagle, the mascot of the University of Tulsa. Rowdy represents the university's commitment to excellence and pride. This bald eagle mascot is a symbol of strength and boldness, reflecting the university's competitive spirit in academics and athletics. Turning our attention to smaller institutions, we have Thunder, the mascot of Rose State College. Thunder is a noble-looking lion, emblematic of the college's motto, "Wings of Excellence." Thunder encourages students to rise above challenges and strive for success. Lastly, we have Victor E. Viking, the mascot of Northern Oklahoma College. Victor E. Viking encompasses the warrior spirit of the college's athletic teams. This Viking mascot symbolizes determination and conquest, encouraging students to excel both on and off the field. In conclusion, Oklahoma college mascots play a vital role in representing their institution's values and spirit. From the powerful Big Red to the energetic Pistol Pete, these mascots add excitement and enthusiasm to college events, bonding students and fans together in support of their respective teams..
Reviews for "The artistic process behind designing a college mascot in Oklahoma"
1. John - 2 stars -
I recently attended a college football game in Oklahoma, and I have to say, the college mascots were a complete letdown. The mascots lacked any creativity and were simply generic animal characters. It was disappointing not to see any unique or interesting mascots that represented the spirit and culture of the college. With such a rich history and tradition, I expected the mascots to be a reflection of that, but instead, they felt uninspired and forgettable.
2. Sarah - 1 star -
I have to say, the college mascots in Oklahoma are some of the worst I have ever seen. They lacked any charisma or excitement, and it felt like they were just going through the motions. The mascots didn't engage with the crowd or even attempt to amp up the energy in the stadium. It was a lackluster experience, and I left the game feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. I hope the colleges in Oklahoma invest in better mascots that can truly ignite the school spirit and provide an enjoyable experience for fans.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars -
As a sports enthusiast, I can't help but feel disappointed with the college mascots in Oklahoma. They all seem to have a similar generic and unimaginative design, resembling any other average mascot you might find at a high school or community event. There is a lack of creativity and uniqueness in their appearance, which is essential in creating a memorable and engaging experience for fans. It's a missed opportunity for these colleges to showcase their individuality and brand through their mascots, and I hope they consider reevaluating their choices in the future.
4. Emily - 2 stars -
When it comes to college mascots, Oklahoma definitely missed the mark. The mascots lack personality and fail to connect with the audience. They seemed more like background decorations rather than characters that embody the spirit and pride of the college. It would have been nice to see vibrant and energetic mascots that could rally the crowd and add excitement to the games. Overall, I was unimpressed with the lack of effort and thought put into the Oklahoma college mascots.