School Superstars

A myriad of mascots stand ready to excite, engage and entertain fans of Oklahoma schools. These costumed characters bring on the cheer and build camaraderie at games, rallies, parades and community events. 

Take a peek behind the mask and explore some of the most unique mascots in the state, as well as celebrate the pivotal role these characters play in school lore.

Looking for a fierce mascot? Oklahoma has plenty. Consider the Durant Lions, the East Central University Tigers and the Noble Bears. There’s also plenty of whimsical ones – the Paoli Pugs, Alva GoldBugs and Mill Creek Bullfrogs. You can mix in fantastical, folkloric and out-of-this world sidekicks like the Purcell Dragons, the Atoka Wampus Cats and the Dickson Comets.

Jason Sanders, principal of Purcell High School, says he enjoys the uniqueness of the school district’s mascot.

“It’s just really cool,” he says. “I think it’s fun when you have mascots that are a little more offbeat than the typical ones.”

The administrator mentions that he’s uncertain about the origin of the mascot, which was adopted in the 1930s, but the dragon itself is widely embraced by students and the community at large.

Sanders says he believes school mascots in smaller communities take on a meaningful role, since children are often attending the same school as their parents and grandparents. There’s pride in that connection of “once a dragon, always a dragon,” he says.

Miami Public Schools also embraces its unique mascot, the Wardog, says Jillian Douthit, the school system’s assistant superintendent.

“It’s the only school in the country that has that mascot, at least to our knowledge,” she says. 

The history of the mascot dates back to the early 1900s when the term “wardog” originated from the local mining industry. It’s a term that was used to describe resilience and a strong work ethic, according to the district’s website. Douthit says a mascot like that plays a significant role.

“That’s the face of your district. That’s where your school pride stems from,” she says. “That’s telling everyone who you are and who you represent.”

Students who serve as their school’s mascot will tell you it’s more than costumes and team cheers. There’s also endurance, showmanship and historical education.

Brayden Smith, who is one of the Pistol Pete mascots at Oklahoma State University, says he exercises in the heat of the summer to help prepare for high-temperature games. Smith says part of his work has also involved getting to know the history of Frank Eaton, the real-life inspiration for Pistol Pete.

“You’re going out and you’re representing Frank Eaton, his family, his legacy,” he says. 

He mentions that one of his favorite parts about being Pistol Pete is the interaction with fans.

“You can see and feel the happiness of people when Pete comes into the room,” he says.

AJ Graffeo, University of Oklahoma’s head coach of the mascot team, says the mascots at the university, which include Boomer, Sooner and Top Daug, also work together on continuity, character work and skit building. For example, the mascots practice signing signatures the same way for autographs or striking similar poses in pics when they hold up the “No. 1” sign. They also add props and skits to entertain the crowds at games.

Ainsley Bond, co-captain of the OU mascot team, says she believes part of the appeal of the mascot is the consistency. 

The mascots are “the people that you can rely on to see at every single game,” Bond says. “They’re there to support the university – and they’re there to see you.”

We’ve got more quirky mascots around Oklahoma for you. 

• Bray-Doyle Donkeys

• Chickasha Fightin’ Chicks

• Claremore Zebras

• Dewey Bulldoggers

• Eufaula Ironheads

• Grove Ridgerunners

• Haskell Haymakers

• Sand Springs Sandites

• Southmoore SaberCats

• Waynoka Railroaders