Opinion

Please show your cougar pride 

Amy Keel
Guest Columnist

I am the person who wears the suit of the UH mascot Sasha, and I, like many students, have something to get off my chest.

The student mascot performers work themselves to the bone attempting to bring back the Cougar pride. We attend many games and Alumni events. We participate in more functions in one month than most students do in their entire college careers.

I'm frustrated with the lack of student spirit. I cannot count how many times I've defended our college -- not to UT or A&M fans, but to our own students.

To those of you who are wearing those tired burnt-orange and maroon shirts: You are attending the University of Houston, and more than likely, you will graduate from here. As one of my professors likes to preach, this school will be carved into your resume and will lead the conversation in every job interview you attend.

Why not make the most of your college years and take advantage of the free entertainment and athletics that UH offers? You chose to come here, why not enjoy it and become part of the storied tradition that is the University of Houston.

My concerns and frustrations also encompass our Universityis lack of concern and respect for the mascots. It took nearly three years to convince the school that our toothless and utterly dilapidated cougar mascot uniforms needed to be replaced. And yes, I am aware of the budget deficit left to us by Chet Gladchuk, the athletics director who abandoned us for the Naval Academy.

We are expected to attend every event possible; granted, that is our job, but sometimes we are present at four per week. And I, like many students, work forty hours a week to pay my tuition. Almost every student who participates in athletics at UH receives a check for their contribution to our school, but not our beloved mascots. We put on a fur coat in the middle of August, in 100-degree weather, to lead the football team onto the field, and perform push ups each time the team scores, continuing the UH athletics tradition.

I have performed my little cougar butt off for the past four years, and not until recently did I feel that my presence was welcomed and appreciated. The hug from women's basketball coach Joe Curl warmed my cougar heart.

So, if you see your furry mascots on the sidelines cheering on the team, donit ask them if they are hot and pull their tails to be mean; give the mascot a hug and say thanks for being a shining example of UH spirit.

Keel, a junior political science major can be reached via dccampus@uh.edu