The Evolution of the George Mason University Mascot: From Gunston to the Patriot

George Mason University (GMU), a public research university in Fairfax County, Virginia, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1949 as a branch of the University of Virginia. Over the years, the university has grown significantly, establishing itself as a prominent institution with a strong athletic program. A key element of George Mason's identity is its mascot, the Patriot, which represents the university's spirit and is a fixture at sporting events and campus activities. The George Mason Patriots compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference for most sports. About 485 student-athletes compete in 22 men's and women's Division I sports.

The George Mason Patriots men's basketball program dates back to 1966 and along with all athletics, have contributed significantly to George Mason's popularity and success. The Patriots' home court for both the men's and women's teams is at the EagleBank Arena, located in Fairfax, Virginia. Until 2012-13, they competed in the Colonial Athletic Association, better known as the CAA. The men's team is currently coached by Tony Skinn. The Patriots transitioned from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, and subsequently into the NCAA Division I rank in the 1978-79 season. The men's basketball team has played at the Patriot Center since 1985, and in prior years played at the PE Building on the west side of the Fairfax Campus. Although many of the school's athletic programs are enjoyed by George Mason Patriots and have had many of their own memorable moments, the men's basketball program remains the key sport at the University.

Early Mascots and the Mason Maniak

The early history of George Mason's mascots is somewhat unclear. In 1985, the first annual bonfire featured the Mason Maniak, an unidentified animal character sporting a t-shirt with the words "Mason Maniak," accompanied by a lightning bolt. George Malenich, a Facilities employee, served as the Mason mascot for over a decade, embodying various characters, including a patriot, a gorilla, and the furry Gunston.

The Patriot Era

In the early 1990s, Malenich donned the Patriot mascot costume, which featured a cartoon head with a two-foot-tall hat. However, in 1993, then-university president George Johnson retired the mascot, believing that a white male mascot did not fully represent the university's diverse campus. The search then began for a new mascot that was fast and strong, as desired by men’s basketball coach at the time, Paul Westhead.

The Green Mask and Gunston's Arrival

During the 1995-96 academic year, the Green Mask, inspired by the Jim Carrey movie "The Mask," cheered on Mason sports teams. In late 1996, the furry green Gunston made his debut during a basketball game against Ohio State. Despite undergoing several changes in appearance over the years, the name and concept of Gunston remained consistent.

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Gunston's Rise to Prominence

Gunston's popularity grew significantly, particularly after the men's basketball team's Final Four appearance. Mazur, who embodied Gunston, aimed to enhance the mascot's appeal, and with the team's success, Gunston's popularity soared among the student body. Gunston traveled with the men’s basketball team to the Final Four and even appeared on Good Morning America.

The Retirement of Gunston and the New Patriot

In the fall of 2008, Gunston underwent a makeover, transitioning from the university's mascot to an ambassador for the community. He stars in his own "Go Green with Gunston" campaign, educating elementary school children about conservation and sustainability.

The decision to replace Gunston with a new mascot was influenced by the university's desire for an athletic mascot that better represented its identity. The Patriot, Mason's newest Mascot, was debuted at the beginning of the 2008-2009 basketball season. The Patriot brings “more of a sense of who we are as a university given that we are the George Mason Patriots,” said Alissa Karton, assistant to the vice president of University Life and a member of the blue ribbon panel.

Student and Alumni Perspectives

The transition from Gunston to the Patriot has been met with mixed reactions from students and alumni. Some students feel that the change was driven by alumni and that the student body had limited input. While some students may not have fully embraced the new mascot, the Patriot has become an integral part of the university's spirit.

The Patriot, a green and gold colonial-looking mascot, has taken Gunston’s place as prime cheerleader for the Mason nation. “In terms of the Patriot, I think the mascot was redesigned for the change in our university, the trajectory of our university,” said Devraj Dasgupta, student body president. “As it is, I think the university took a look back at its core values and what it stands for and its relationship with the community and thought maybe this is the best way to go. I like the Patriot, personally.

Memorable Moments and Traditions

Throughout its history, George Mason's mascots have been involved in numerous memorable moments and traditions. From the Mason Maniak's debut at the annual bonfire to Gunston's Final Four appearance and the Patriot's current role as the university's symbol, the mascots have played a vital role in shaping George Mason's identity.

The 2006 Final Four Run

The men's basketball team is best known for its 2006 NCAA Final Four appearance where Mason beat North Carolina, Connecticut, Michigan State, and Wichita State. The Patriots lost to the eventual champion Florida in the Final Four. The run to the Final Four, which ESPN says is "considered by most the greatest in NCAA Tournament history", culminated with the Patriots beating top-seeded Connecticut 86-84 in overtime on March 26 to advance to the school, and the CAA conference's first-ever Final Four.

After the 2005-2006 season Head coach Jim Larranaga was named Virginia Coach of the Year on June 26, 2006. George Mason was one of only three teams since 1982 without a tournament win in its school history to still enter the final four. Georgia did it in 1983, and Virginia did it in 1981. During the 2005-2006 season the final four had a bigger following than the Super Bowl and the NBA Playoffs that year.

Other Athletic Achievements

The Patriots have advanced to the NCAA tournament six times (1989, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2008, and 2011) and the NIT tournament (National Invitation tournament) three times (1986, 2002 and 2004).

Coach Taneyhill spent 11 seasons as Mason's women's basketball head coach and had much success with the ladies. During Taneyhill's tenure as coach, she helped the lady Patriots to four-straight winning campaigns, from the 2000 to the 2004 season. She also led them to two post-season appearances in the Women's National Invitation Tournament, WNIT in 2001 and 2004, and was named 2001 Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year.

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George Mason University Today

George Mason University continues to thrive as a leading research university, offering a wide range of academic programs and fostering a vibrant campus community. The university operates four campuses; the flagship campus is in the Fairfax, Virginia area. Its other three campuses are in Arlington, Front Royal, and Prince William County. It also operates a retreat and conference center in Lorton and an international campus in Incheon, South Korea.

In 2024, the university accepted 90% of its undergraduate applicants, and did not consider high school class rank or require standardized test scores for admission. Those admitted had an average 3.68 high school GPA. Mason enrolled 33,917 students for fall 2013, up 956 (+3%) from fall 2012. Undergraduate students made up 65% (21,990) of the fall enrollment, graduate students 34% (11,399), and law students 2% (528).

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