Masked Rider and a Dog Named ‘Pig': Oldest University Mascots In Texas

Texas has many universities throughout the state with infamous mascots known worldwide, but few can boast mascots 100 years or older. Steeped in tradition and brimming with school pride, these are some of the oldest university mascots in Texas.

Texas A&M

The name 'Reveille' has been passed from canine to canine at College Station since 1931. The university's history states that roughly 96 years ago, a small group of students took in an injured puppy and stowed it away in their dorm room.

When the students were woken up the next morning to "Reveille" on the bugle, the puppy decided to bark and join along, earning the nickname they still use to this day.

University of Texas

Way back in 1914, UT's first athletic director, L. Theo Bellmont, brought a small puppy to the university field. This tan and brown dog eventually took to exploring the entire campus and attended school football games.

One day, this dog and former center Gus "Pig" Dittmar were standing side-by-side on the field in similar fashion, earning the dog the nickname 'Pig' in honor of the player who would often slip through the defensive line "like a greased pig," according to the UT website.

Pig was the school's first mascot until his death in 1923 which was met with a city-wide funeral procession in his honor.

Texas Tech University

The infamous Masked Rider has circled TTU football games since 1936. Technically, the first official reveal of the Masked Rider as TTU's mascot was not until the Gator Bowl in 1954.

Very few mascots can stir as much school pride and motivation to excel than that of Texas Tech. Say what you want, but the Masked Rider has one of the most memorable entrances to the field during football games in the country.