by Cheryl Price
Having actually been a student when UH had a live mascot, and now seeing the "live mascot debate" return for the third time, I feel a need to comment and impart my observations on the subject.
First, it should cost nothing to acquire and care for a live cougar. Upon Shasta's death, five new cubs were offered to UH. Alumni and independent fund raising generally pick up the tab for feeding, supplies and other expenses.
The Cougar Guard, staffed entirely by student, staff and alumni, volunteers for the care of the animal at no cost to the university.
Secondly, as pitiful as it looks, the current housing facility (with a few minor repairs) is adequate for a live cougar. Like most cats, cougars spend most of their time sleeping and really don't require much space. The Cougar Guard ensures the animal gets out and gets enough excercise. Building a large, expensive, new facility would be primarly for public relations and to appease the human spectators and not the animal resident.
Everyone tends to argue these logistics, but the points are moot. The real question is not how can we have a new mascot, but why should we?
Several surveys have been done to determine the students' desire for a new live mascot. Of course, the participation in these surveys are about par with Students' Association elections, but most show that only 50 percent to 60 percent of students, at best, really want a live cougar on campus. This is hardly substantial evidence to support bringing one in.
Every university president since George Magner has been anti-live mascot, along with most of UH administration. It's very hard to get anything done against the president's will.
Although the argument was valid at Shasta's death, it has been too long to say that UH should keep up its tradition. It's been historically shown that when an old tradition is revived, it almost always is never like its predecessor. Just look at Frontier Fiesta.
Athletic attendance doesn't increase because there is a live mascot. People go to games when the team has a winning record, are going to bowls and tournaments, have award-winning players or are contenders for the championship.
Nor does a live animal increase school spirit and pride, except for those involved in the Cougar Guard. People have school spirit and pride from academic quality and extra curricular experience.
If alumni want to give money to increase school spirit and pride and encourage traditions, they should consider donations to student organizations. People who are proud of their school, brag about it to others, are involved in traditions, go to games and become active alumni who are involved in student government, student programming, cultural and ethnic organizations, academic competitions, honor societies and special interest groups - that's what we really want, isn't it? Not an animal to instill pride, but students that ARE proud.
After all, it's those proud Cougars that make UH great, not a live one.
Price is a senior hotel restaurant management major.