The New Mexico Lobos mascot has become synonymous with the University of New Mexico's athletic teams. The Lobos mascot is a symbol of pride, unity, and sportsmanship for the university and its supporters. The mascot represents the strong and fierce nature of the athletes who compete for the Lobos. The New Mexico Lobos mascot is a gray wolf. **The main idea** behind the choice of a wolf as the mascot is to embody the qualities that the university values in its athletes and teams. Wolves are known for their strength, agility, and teamwork, all of which are characteristic traits of successful athletes.
The U. N. M. Fight Song
The U. N. M. fight Song was written in 1930. The music to the Fight Song was written by Dean Lena Clauve, who served the University for 32 years as a professor of music education and as the Dean of Women. Dr. George St. Clair, professor in the English Department, wrote the lyrics.
Lucy and Louie Apparently, a government trapper named Jim Young caught a wolf pup on the Floyd Lee Ranch near Mount Taylor in western part of the state. Bruno Dieckmann, class of 1902, and by 1920 a successful Albuquerque insurance and real estate agent, acquired the first Lobo for the University at his own expense.
Wolves are known for their strength, agility, and teamwork, all of which are characteristic traits of successful athletes. The wolf mascot is also said to represent the university's connection to the state of New Mexico and its cultural history. Wolves have long been a part of the region's landscape and have played a significant role in Native American folklore and mythology.
New mexico lobos mascot
The Lobo Nickname
A number of legends have arisen over the years as to how The University of New Mexico got "Lobo" as its official nickname. When the university began playing football in 1892, the team was simply referred to as "The University Boys" or "Varsities" to distinguish themselves from the prep school kids.
The student body, at least as early as 1917, began to seriously explore the possibilities for both a mascot and a new name for the student newspaper, which was then called simply the "U.N. M. Weekly". Several names for the paper were suggested, including The Rattler, the Sand Devil, the Ki-yo-te and the Cherry and Silver. However, there was no single name that struck a responsive chord among the students and when school opened in the Fall of 1920 the U. N. M. Weekly was still there.
On Sept. 22, 1920, sophomore George S. Bryan, editor of the U. N. M. Weekly and student manager of the football team, was present at a Student Council meeting for the purpose of suggesting that the University teams be given a mascot name as at that time many universities had mascot names for their teams. Bryan suggested Lobo, the Spanish word for wolf, as the nickname. The name was enthusiastically received. The Oct. 1 issue of the student paper said, "The Lobo is respected for his cunning, feared for his prowess, and is the leader of the pack. It is the ideal name for the Varsity boys who go forth to battle for the glory of the school. All together now; fifteen rahs for the LOBOS."
From that beginning, the Lobo nickname has remained with The University of New Mexico for over 70 years.
The Lobo Mascot
After "Lobo" was adopted as the school's nickname in 1920, it was not long thereafter that a real Lobo became the mascot.
Bruno Dieckmann, class of 1902, and by 1920 a successful Albuquerque insurance and real estate agent, acquired the first Lobo for the University at his own expense. At the time he was treasurer of the Athletic Association and "one of the most admired men in town."
Elsie Ruth Chant, class of 1923, recalled, "All of the girls on campus wanted to be seen with him. He was an accomplished concert violinist as well as being a successful businessman, and he was rich. He drove a Stutz Bearcat convertible around town and all of the girls would compete to get rides with him. Sometimes he had five or six girls in the car, and when he finally got married, he left broken hearts all over campus. Anyway, he either caught it himself or he paid to have a wolf captured in the Mount Taylor area. The wolf was brought into the school and a student by the name of Bowman would take it on a leash to the football practice area."
Apparently, a government trapper named Jim Young caught a wolf pup on the Floyd Lee Ranch near Mount Taylor in western part of the state. The cub became the responsibility of the cheerleaders and it appeared in harness at every football game. However, in the late 20s, a child teased the wolf and the child was bitten at one of the games. U. N. M. officials were forced to dispose of the wolf, as one historian put it, "for fear other ill-bred brats might become tempted to play with the wolf and bring a damage suit."
A live wolf has really never been a part of the athletics scene since. In the early 1960s a human mascot named "Lobo Louie" was created. A second mascot, Lobo Lucy" was created in the early 1980s. Both are now members of the school's cheerleading squad.
Cherry and Silver
The most common origin of New Mexico's school colors dates back nearly 100 years. Apparently, the school colors in the early 1890s were black and gold. Ms. Harriet Jenness, a faculty member who taught drawing, delsarte (drama), penmanship and music, suggested a change in school colors because black and gold did not give a true feeling of New Mexico. She suggested the crimson evening glow of the majestic Sandia mountains to the east. The silver came from when students and faculty took picnics in the Sandias and noted the Rio Grande looked like a silver ribbon winding through the valley below. Her ideas were enthusiastically adopted by the faculty and staff. The crimson was later changed to cherry, the color of a Sandia sunset. Miss Jenness died in 1895, two years before the colors were adopted as "official."
From 1973-79, turquoise was integrated into the official school colors, at least, for the athletics teams. The football team wore turquoise jerseys at home during those years. Cherry and silver returned as the predominant colors in 1980.
The Alma Mater
The Alma Mater (in Latin means "Nourishing" or "Dear Mother") was a source of contention at U. N. M. in 1947. The original Alma Mater was set to the tune of "Annie Lyle," which was an unpopular hymn with the student body for a long period of time.
The student body voted in a general election to change the Alma Mater and found Glee Club Director Craig Summers to oblige. Actually Mr. Summers and his father wrote the present Alma Mater three years before and called it "The New Mexico Hymn."
New Mexico, New Mexico
We sing to honor thee.
This golden haze of college days
Will live in memory.
This praise we sing will ever ring
With truth and loyalty
New Mexico, your fame we know
Will last eternally.
The U. N. M. Fight Song
The U. N. M. fight Song was written in 1930. The music to the Fight Song was written by Dean Lena Clauve, who served the University for 32 years as a professor of music education and as the Dean of Women. Dr. George St. Clair, professor in the English Department, wrote the lyrics.
Hail to thee, New Mexico, The loyal sons are we.
Marching down the field we go, Fighting for thee.
RAH! RAH! RAH!
Now we pledge our faith to thee, Never shall we fail.
Fighting ever, yielding never.
HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!
A live wolf has really never been a part of the athletics scene since then until the mid 2010s, when Zoerro became an official wolf ambassador from the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary located just south of Gallup. The mission of the sanctuary is to rescue displaced, unwanted and un-releasable captive-bred wolves, wolf dogs and other related species. Animals are provided permanent, lifetime safe sanctuary and the highest level of care, enrichment and habitat.
**The main idea** behind incorporating the wolf into the university's identity is to honor and celebrate the cultural heritage of the area. The New Mexico Lobos mascot is often seen at various sporting events, cheering on the teams and interacting with fans. It serves as a rallying point for the university community and helps to create a sense of camaraderie and excitement among supporters. **The main idea** is that the mascot plays a crucial role in building school spirit and boosting morale for both the athletes and the fans. In addition to its symbolic importance, the New Mexico Lobos mascot also plays a role in promoting the university's brand and attracting potential students and athletes. The image of the wolf mascot is often used in marketing materials and merchandise, making it easily recognizable and memorable. **The main idea** is that the mascot helps to create a strong visual identity for the university and sets it apart from other institutions. Overall, the New Mexico Lobos mascot is a powerful symbol that represents the values, history, and spirit of the University of New Mexico. It is a unifying force that brings together athletes, fans, and the community, fostering a sense of pride and belonging..
Reviews for "The New Mexico Lobos Mascot: Inspiring Future Generations of Athletes"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
As a lifelong fan of college basketball, I have to say that the New Mexico Lobos mascot leaves a lot to be desired. The design is outdated and uninspired, resembling more of a generic cartoon character than a fierce representation of the team. The colors are also lackluster, failing to capture the energy and vibrancy associated with college sports. Overall, I was disappointed with the New Mexico Lobos mascot and feel that it could use a significant makeover to better reflect the team and its fans.
2. Mike - 1 star
I have to say, the New Mexico Lobos mascot is one of the worst I've ever seen. It looks like something a kindergartener could draw. The lack of creativity in the design is astounding. Not to mention, the mascot itself doesn't even look like a lobo, but rather a strange hybrid of different animals. The whole concept just falls flat and doesn't accurately represent the team. It's a shame that such a lackluster mascot is associated with the New Mexico Lobos.
3. Stephanie - 2 stars
I've seen some great mascots in my time, but the New Mexico Lobos mascot is definitely not one of them. It lacks any sort of uniqueness or personality. The costume design is subpar, with awkward proportions and clunky features. It does nothing to generate excitement or engage the crowd during games. I think the New Mexico Lobos deserve a mascot that is more dynamic and visually appealing, something that the fans can rally behind and connect with on a deeper level.
4. Alex - 1 star
I've always been a fan of college sports mascots, but the New Mexico Lobos mascot is a major disappointment. It looks like someone took a generic wolf costume and slapped a "Lobos" logo on it. There is no creativity or originality in the design. It fails to capture the spirit and essence of the team. The New Mexico Lobos deserve a mascot that is bold, original, and represents the unique qualities of the team. This current mascot just doesn't cut it.