The New Mexico mascot, officially known as the New Mexico State Aggies, represents the athletic teams of New Mexico State University. The mascot is a symbol of strength, unity, and pride for the university community. The mascot is a cowboy character named Pistol Pete. Pistol Pete is depicted as a rugged, cowboy figure, wearing western attire such as a cowboy hat, boots, and spurs. He is known for his trademark mustache and constantly holding a pistol in his hand. Pistol Pete has become a beloved figure at New Mexico State University, inspiring enthusiasm and school spirit among students, alumni, and fans.

Why your mascot sucks: New Mexico State University

Well kids, it is with great sadness that I have to report that this will be the last weekly mascot article I will be writing this season… As the Badgers move into their conference slate next week, all of their remaining opponents have already been through the ringer of mascot suckiness.

Now, provided Wisconsin faces off against a team we have not seen before in the postseason, then we will be sure to dust the cobwebs off this series and resurrect it.

Origins

New Mexico State University, has not always been New Mexico State University. In 1888 when it was founded, the school went by the name of Las Cruces College. This was 24 years before New Mexico was granted statehood in 1912.

In 1889, the legislature authorized the construction of an agricultural college in the area and it was named New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

Las Cruces College merged with New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, taking the new name in the merger and it was until 1960 that the school went by New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, when the school changed names to its current name, New Mexico State University.

While most universities bounce around from nickname to nickname, I cannot find any record of New Mexico State going by any other name, other than the Aggies.

I think most agricultural schools have gone by the name Aggies at one point or another and while some have moved on to bigger and better names, some still go by Aggies, which literally means a student of an agricultural school.

So chalk one up in the creativity column for agricultural schools that still go by the name, Aggies (insert eye roll).

However, the ‘creativity’ did not end there for New Mexico State. Their logo looked as though it look a long time for them to come up with it.

Clearly it’s not the same logo, it’s facing a different way.

In October of 2014, Oklahoma State University sued New Mexico State University in federal court, asking NMSU to stop using its mascot, claiming they had trademarked the image, way back in 1930. NMSU had been using its ‘Classic Aggie’ mascot since 1970.

Sounds mighty suss, as the kids say. No cap on that. (Did I use those right?)

However, the suit ended with the schools coming to an agreement, where NMSU would pay OKSU a whopping $10 per year to continue using the ‘Classic Aggie’ logo on limited items sold through the school’s bookstore or online store.

NMSU is also not allowed to use the image or mascot in connection with its athletic program or in student recruiting. However, they can sell or give away a maximum of 3,000 items as gifts with the ‘Classic Aggie’ logo on the item.

The ‘Classic logo,’ is said to be the depiction of Frank ‘Pistol Pete’ Eaton, who was a scout, sheriff and cowboy… and based on that mustache… quite the man.

Ironically, Frank ‘Pistol Pete’ Eaton is also who OKSU modeled its mascot after. again, suspicious.

The school introduced a new logo in 2005, of Pistol Pete with a lasso. The disarmament of Pete was not received well by the student body, alumni, and others, and a year later the school gave Pete back his pistols.

Appearance

While Pistol Pete has long been the mascot at New Mexico State, he has featured a few different looks.

In 1988, the school debuted a big-headed Pistol Pete, which was a person, which a large mascot head with a huge mustache. The head weighed 25 pounds and some students that donned the head, lost 5-15 pounds of water weight during an event.

The school’s current logo is a square-jawed Pistol Pete, wearing a red vest, featuring ‘NM State’ on it with his iconic two six-shooters and his famous mustache.

While the school has gotten rid of the fiberglass head, they still use a student dressed up as Pistol Pete at sporting events.

Which is fine, I get it. Your mascot is a cowboy, so why not just have a guy playing cosplay as a cowboy. But where they lose me is the comically fake mustache.

Grow a mustache like a real man!

Still, it is 2022, why not just make a costume that matches the school mascot. It would be so easy.

While I would not go as far as to recommend using Rowdy, the Dallas Cowboys mascot as a template, because no one should… not even the Cowboys.

A Pistol Pete mascot, could be easily made, I mean this is practically him.

And if Star Costumes can make this, imagine what a D1 school could muster up…

But seriously, end the reign of fake mustaches. build a full-on mascot costume.

Pistol Pete has become a beloved figure at New Mexico State University, inspiring enthusiasm and school spirit among students, alumni, and fans. He can be seen at various events, including athletic games, pep rallies, and community events. His energetic presence often encourages crowd participation and support for the university's athletic teams.

New mexico mascot

Meet "Rio" The Roadrunner! New Mexico's most lovable and exciting mascot! Rio was unveiled at our inaugural pre-season game on December 1st, 2018.

The roadrunner is New Mexico's state bird and having a roadrunner as our team's mascot reflects the identity of the state's only 100% New Mexican owned and operated sports team.

There is no State Bird more closely connected to the people of the state than the Roadrunner is to the citizens of New Mexico. Early settlers for example were told that if you got lost, a roadrunner would always lead you back to the path for which you were searching.

Rio will lead you to the most exciting game in the state and that is New Mexico Runners arena soccer at the Rio Rancho Events Center!

Book Rio for your event or birthday party by filling out the online appearance request form below!

Appearance Request Form Organization Name Address Street Address City Country Organization Website Contact Name Contact Email Contact Phone Who do you want to appear at your event? Mascot Player/s Type of organization or event New mexico mascot

The choice of a cowboy as the mascot is fitting, as New Mexico has a rich history of cowboy culture and ranching. The state is known for its vast open landscapes, rugged mountains, and long-standing traditions. By embodying the spirit of the cowboy, Pistol Pete represents the resilience, perseverance, and determination that are valued at New Mexico State University. The New Mexico State Aggies compete in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and participate in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and volleyball. Pistol Pete is present at the team's events, cheering them on and serving as a symbol of support and encouragement. Overall, the New Mexico mascot, Pistol Pete, is an iconic representation of the New Mexico State University community. He symbolizes the school's heritage, values, and school spirit. Through his presence at athletic events and community gatherings, Pistol Pete unites the university community and fosters a sense of pride and unity..

Reviews for "Behind the Scenes: Creating the New Mexico Mascot Costume"

1. John - 1/5 - The New Mexico mascot is absolutely terrible. It lacks creativity and uniqueness. It's just a generic image of a coyote wearing a sombrero. It feels like a lazy attempt to represent the culture of New Mexico. There are so many other iconic symbols and animals that could have been chosen, but they went with this unimaginative design. It's disappointing and I hope they reconsider and come up with something better.

2. Emily - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the New Mexico mascot. It's not engaging or memorable in any way. It feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the rich heritage and diversity of the state. I expected something more vibrant and representative of the culture, but instead, we got a cliché depiction of a coyote wearing a sombrero. It's a lackluster mascot that fails to bring any excitement or pride to New Mexico.

3. Michael - 2/5 - The New Mexico mascot is a complete letdown. It lacks originality and fails to capture the essence of the state. It feels like a superficial representation of New Mexico, focusing on stereotypes rather than celebrating its unique culture. It's a missed opportunity to showcase the beauty and diversity of the state, and I can't help but feel disappointed. I hope they reconsider and develop a mascot that truly reflects the richness of New Mexico's heritage.

4. Sarah - 1/5 - The New Mexico mascot is a complete joke. It's offensive and perpetuates stereotypes about the state. Using a coyote with a sombrero as the mascot is a lazy choice that shows a lack of respect for the culture and people of New Mexico. The design is unimaginative and lacks any creativity. I expected so much more from a mascot that is supposed to represent the entire state. It's a huge disappointment and I hope they come up with something better soon.

The Evolution of New Mexico Mascots: From the Past to the Present

The Role of New Mexico Mascots in Promoting Team Unity

The Impact of Mascots on New Mexico's Sports Teams