Maverick the mustang, the school mascot, is celebrating his 7th birthday today. He became the mascot when the university was forced to change from being the “Indians” to the “mustangs” in 2006. This change was made when the university left the list of 19 schools with mascots deemed “hostile and abusive” by the NCAA.
There is a tryout process for students who want to become the mascot. Hopeful tryouts attend a cheerleading practice, put the suit on and do a skit with the cheerleaders.
“I have selected the mascot sometimes just by seeing a student at Spirit Days,” cheerleading sponsor Sue Witherspoon said. “Seeing how he acts with a crowd, a personality that is outgoing and is friendly, we interview him and have him come to our tryouts.”
With Maverick as the mascot, the school has experienced many athletic successes including Lone Star Conference championships in several different sports.
“The main purpose of the mascot is to get the crowd involved,” Witherspoon said.
When Maverick became the mascot, a student committee was tasked with coming up with a suitable name.
“Several names were thrown out there,” cheerleading sponsor Sue Witherspoon said. “I believe there was Golden Thunder, Tornado, but Maverick was the favorite.”
Maverick is a mustang of few words (to maintain his anonymity), but he said he’s excited about his birthday party and all the activities of homecoming week.
“Everyone should come to my party to support me and the Mustangs, and to celebrate with me,” Maverick said.
Maverick says he enjoys homecoming and, just like every week, he is hoping for a win.
“I just love the camaraderie of being the mascot,” Maverick said. “I feel like I’m part of a big family.”
Students and faculty are invited to celebrate Maverick’s birthday today at 11:30 a.m. in the Mesquite Dining Hall.
