The mascot of the University of Houston is a cougar named Shasta. Shasta is a beloved symbol of the university and is often seen at sporting events and other campus activities. The cougar is known for its strength, agility, and fierce demeanor, which are all qualities that the university strives to instill in its students. Shasta has become a recognizable figure on campus and is a source of pride for the university community. The mascot represents the university's spirit and competitive nature, and serves as a reminder of the school's commitment to excellence..
The University constructed Shasta’s Den, a cougar enclosure, on the southeast corner of Lynn Eusan Park after adopting Shasta II. Shasta’s Den was home to Shasta II and later, her successors, Shasta III, IV and V. Shasta III and V were retired due to health issues, while Shasta II and IV were both retired due to unruly behavior.
University of Texas students caught wind of the cat s wound and imitated it by folding their thumbs over their ring fingers in order to take a jab at the Cougars, who lost the game 28-7. 5, 2022 Shasta VI, the University of Houston s live cougar mascot who made his home at the Houston Zoo, passed away from a progressive spinal disease on Thursday, Aug.
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All you need to know about Shasta’s history
As Shasta VI celebrates his eighth birthday this September, a look into the history of the University of Houston’s wildest tradition shows the influence the fierce feline mascot has had.
Shasta, UH’s cougar mascot, has been a symbol of the University since 1947, when a mountain lion was purchased from Mexico by members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. The fraternity held a “Name the Mascot” competition, and student Joe Randol won with the entry “Shasta.”
“Shasta (she has to). Shasta have a cage, Shasta have a keeper, Shasta have a winning ball club, Shasta have the best,” Randol said in his written submission for the competition.
A group of students known as the Cougar Guard was formed to care for Shasta, and she was brought to football games to help pump up students and fans.
UH’s school history became intertwined with its tradition of Shasta. In 1953, Shasta I was injured on her way to a football game in Austin. Her toe became caught in a cage door and was severed.
University of Texas students caught wind of the cat’s wound and imitated it by folding their thumbs over their ring fingers in order to take a jab at the Cougars, who lost the game 28-7. After later, more successful matches against the Longhorns, UH football fans embraced the hand gesture as a sign of school pride.
Between 1947 and 1989, five live female cougars held the position of UH’s mascot.
The University constructed Shasta’s Den, a cougar enclosure, on the southeast corner of Lynn Eusan Park after adopting Shasta II. Shasta’s Den was home to Shasta II and later, her successors, Shasta III, IV and V. Shasta III and V were retired due to health issues, while Shasta II and IV were both retired due to unruly behavior.
After Shasta V’s death in 1989, UH decided not to adopt a new live mascot, opting instead for costumed students to carry on the tradition of Shasta on game day in place of the live cougars, a custom that has persisted to this day.
While the live cougar mascots had all been female, the costumed Shasta wears a football uniform. In 1995, the University introduced Sasha as the female cheerleader counterpart to the costumed Shasta.
The University continued on without a live mascot, with students debating over the pros and cons of adopting a new cougar.
In 2011, the Houston Zoo took in an orphaned cougar cub whose mother had been illegally shot and killed in Washington state. Within a few months, the UH Alumni Association and the Houston Zoo entered a partnership, and in 2012, the cub became known as Shasta VI.
Shasta VI became the University’s first live mascot since 1989 as well as the first live male cougar mascot. Shasta VI lives at the Houston Zoo, which UH students can visit for free. Before the biannual ring ceremonies, class rings spend the night in the cougar habitat with Shasta.
Students, alumni and Houstonians can contribute to Shasta’s care by texting “Shasta” to 71777 to donate $8 for Shasta’s birthday.
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Reviews for "The University of Houston's Mascot: Strategies for Building a Stronger University Community"
- Kevin - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the "Mawscot of University of Houstom". The costume looked cheap and poorly made. It was clear that not much effort went into designing it. The colors were dull and the material felt flimsy. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
- Sarah - 2 stars
I didn't have a great experience with the "Mawscot of University of Houstom". The person inside the costume seemed disinterested and lacked energy. It felt like they were just going through the motions instead of engaging with the crowd. It was not a memorable experience, and I would have liked to see more enthusiasm and interaction.
- Mike - 2 stars
I wasn't impressed with the "Mawscot of University of Houstom". The costume design was confusing and lacked creativity. It was difficult to determine what it was supposed to represent, and it seemed like a jumble of random elements thrown together. The lack of attention to detail was disappointing, as it made the whole mascot feel unprofessional.
- Emily - 1 star
I had high hopes for the "Mawscot of University of Houstom", but it fell short in many ways. The costume was uncomfortable and poorly fitted, making it difficult for the person inside to move around freely. It was also hard to see their face or expressions through the mask, which took away from the overall experience. Overall, it just seemed like a poorly executed mascot.