| Shasta | |
| A costumed Shasta walking off the field of a football game at Robertson Stadium | |
| University | University of Houston |
|---|---|
| Conference | C-USA |
| Description | Live/anthropomorphic cougar |
| Origin of name | Student contest |
| First seen | 1946 |
| Related mascot(s) | Sasha |
| Official website | UH athletics |
Shasta is the mascot of the University of Houston athletics teams, the Houston Cougars. Shasta is a female cougar. While previously a live cougar, Shasta is now a costumed mascot.
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The origin of Shasta dates back to 1927 when John R. Bender, a former head football coach of the Washington State Cougars came to Houston. Because of his fondness for the animal, Bender decided it would be the name of his new teams. Later that year, the school newspaper actively used the name, and other student organizations followed.[1]
In 1946, the cougar was named the official mascot by the University as Houston as it became involved in intercollegiate sports. The next year, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity raised funds to purchase a live cougar for the university, and held a contest to name it. Among 225 other entries, student Joe Randol won the contest with the following submission: "Shasta (She has to). Shasta have a cage, Shasta have a keeper, Shasta have a winning ball club, Shasta have the best." The first runner-up was "Raguoc" (cougar spelled backwards).[1]
Shasta I (1947–1962) was the longest serving Shasta. Following her service as the University of Houston mascot, she resided at the Houston Zoo.
Shasta II (1962–1965) was the shortest serving Shasta, and was the first to live in "Shasta's Den" (a cage built for her) at the southwest corner of Lynn Eusan Park. It's said that she was retired so soon due to an unruly attitude. She later resided at the Houston Zoo.
Shasta III (1965–1977) was also known as "The Lady". She was featured in several commercials for the American Motors Corporation, but was forced to retire due to poor health.
Shasta IV (1977–1980) was also known as "Baby Shasta". She only served three years due to the difficulty in controlling her.
Shasta V (1980–1989) was the last cougar to serve as a live mascot for the University of Houston. After a kidney failure, she was put to sleep. After Shasta V, interim President George Magner ended the tradition of a live mascot at the university.
Since 1989, the university has chosen not to purchase another live cougar, but instead a costumed student is used for games.
Sasha was given to Shasta as a gift and now the two are the power couple of the University of Houston. There has been much debate as to whether or not the university should purchase another cougar. Those who oppose another live cougar often claim that having a caged cougar is inhumane and dangerous.[2] Although a live cougar appears in University of Houston's "Learning. Leading." campaign named "Tigger", this cougar does not live on campus nor is it owned by the university.[1]
During the 2007 football season opener game between the Houston Cougars and the Oregon Ducks, Shasta became involved in a physical fight with Oregon's Donald Duck mascot. The duck attacked Shasta while Shasta was doing push-ups for total points after each touchdown in front of the Cougar fans at Autzen Stadium. Push-ups for the total points scored are a tradition for the University of Houston as well as Oregon. After finishing some push-ups, the duck mascot physically attacked Shasta, eventually taking the mascot to the ground. Shasta, actually portrayed by the football player Matt Stolt for the Cougars, tackled the duck and walked away. The duck answered by punching the Houston mascot in the face and then performing simulated lewd acts on top of the cougar. The fight was captured by both amateur video and game cameras, and was subsequently posted on YouTube as well as being reported on by most major media organizations including ESPN. University of Oregon's mascot was suspended for their next game against Fresno State as a disciplinary action. It was never revealed what further penalty the student in the duck suit faced.[3]
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