From Plowboys to Texans: A History of Tarleton State University Mascots
Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, is an institution with a rich history and unique traditions. From its humble beginnings as John Tarleton College to its current status as a distinguished university within the Texas A&M System, Tarleton State has cultivated a strong sense of community and school spirit. A significant part of this identity lies in its mascots, which have evolved over the years, reflecting the changing nature of the university itself. This article explores the history of Tarleton State University's mascots, from the early days of the "Junior Aggies" to the present-day "Texans," and delves into the stories and traditions that surround them.
Early Years: From Junior Aggies to Plowboys
Tarleton State's athletic history dates back to 1904, but it wasn't until 1917, when the college joined The Texas A&M University System, that the teams acquired their first nickname: the "Junior Aggies." This moniker reflected the university's affiliation with Texas A&M, but it wasn't long before a desire for a more distinctive identity emerged.
In 1924, Coach W.J. Wisdom, a legendary figure in Tarleton athletics, decided it was time for a change. Disenchanted with the "Junior Aggies" name, Wisdom launched a contest to select a new mascot, offering a prize of $5 to the winning submission. However, as the story goes, inspiration struck Wisdom himself one day as he walked across campus. Contemplating Tarleton's strong agricultural roots, the name "Plowboys" popped into his head. He immediately adopted the name, effectively keeping the $5 prize for himself.
The "Plowboys" mascot represented a muscular young man in overalls pushing a hand plow, symbolizing the university's agricultural heritage. This image resonated with the student body, and in 1950, when four additional names were suggested for a student vote, "Plowboys" emerged victorious by a 2-1 margin, solidifying its place as the university's mascot.
The Rise of the Texans
Despite the Plowboys' popularity, Tarleton State's changing image as it transitioned into a four-year college in 1961 prompted another mascot election. This time, students approved the name "Texans," ushering in a new era for the university's athletic identity. With the adoption of "Texans," the horse and rider became the new athletic mascot of the university. When women’s athletics moved to intercollegiate competition in 1968, the ladies took on the moniker of “TexAnns,” which lasted until 2019 when the Student Government Association approved moving all teams under the Texan name.
Read also: The History of Tarleton State Baseball
The Enduring Legacy of the Plowboys
While the "Texans" became the official athletic mascot, the "Plowboys" did not disappear entirely. In 1984, a group of students, led by Dr. Barry B. Thompson, re-established the "Plowboys" as a spirit organization on campus. Dressed in their distinctive white shirts, hats, and purple chaps, the Plowboys attend athletic events and other campus activities, adding to the spirited atmosphere with their cheers and chants.
Oscar P: The Unofficial Mascot
Beyond the official and semi-official mascots, Tarleton State University also boasts a beloved unofficial mascot: Oscar P, the spirited pet duck of university founder John Tarleton. Legend has it that Oscar P accompanied John Tarleton on his journey from Tennessee to Texas, becoming a cherished companion. Some even say that Oscar P is buried with John Tarleton.
Today, Oscar P is a ubiquitous symbol of Tarleton spirit. Students rally by kneeling and pounding the ground while calling out "Hey, Oscar P," a tradition that embodies the university's unique character. While there is no concrete evidence to verify the story of John Tarleton and his duck, Oscar P's legacy lives on as a testament to the power of friendship and determination. Oscar P graces sporting and university events with his presence, embodying the spirit of unwavering support and enthusiasm. Oscar P, the spirited symbol of Tarleton State University, extended his unconventional charm to embrace outreach locations, embodying the university’s dedication to inclusivity and knowledge dissemination.
Traditions and Spirit Organizations
Tarleton State University is steeped in tradition, with several spirit organizations playing a vital role in fostering a sense of community and pride. Among the most notable are:
The Purple Poo: The oldest spirit organization in the state of Texas, the Purple Poo has been a fixture on the Tarleton campus since the early 1920s. Evolving from the Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS), the Purple Poo members are known for their secret identities, masked costumes, and spirited presence at student activities. Each Monday night, they create "Poo signs" that appear on campus every Tuesday morning, promoting school spirit and commenting on campus life.
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Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS): Formed in 1921 and 1923 respectively, these were the precursors of the modern Purple Poo. These spirit organizations for men and women were formed in 1921 and 1923 respectively. New members of these secret organizations are selected by current members.
The Texan Rider: As Tarleton’s official mascot, the Texan Rider can be found on the sideline of athletic games and many Tarleton events.
The Texan Stars: For over 40 years, the Texan Stars have been an integral part of Tarleton State University. Formed in the spring of 1974, the Stars are a part of Tarleton’s longstanding traditions. They perform at football and basketball halftime shows, Homecoming events and Midnight Madness.
PANKUS (People Against Not Knowing University Spirit): Unified by their love of Tarleton, they promote university spirit.
Bonfire Tradition and the L.V. Risinger Story
Another significant tradition at Tarleton State is the annual Homecoming bonfire. This tradition is closely tied to a pivotal moment in the university's history: the attempted bombing of the bonfire by students from North Texas Agriculture College (NTAC) in 1939. During the height of the Tarleton-North Texas Agriculture College rivalry, frequent raids by opposing students were common. Bonfires were the primary objectives, and as described in the J-TAC newspaper (Tarleton's school paper), the students were driven by “the desire to cause premature conflagration of the accumulated rubbish.”
Read also: The Legacy of Tarleton Football
On November 29, two days before the traditional football game, and in retaliation for the burning of the NTAC bonfire by Tarleton students the night before, an NTAC student and accomplice flew over the Tarleton campus and attempted to bomb the bonfire. In their efforts to repel the air attack, Tarleton students on guard threw various objects at the plane. L.V. Risinger hurled a 2x4 into the air which struck the propeller and disabled the aircraft. The pilot glided over what is now the Hall of Presidents and crash-landed in a clump of trees. The NTAC students were captured, given a block-T haircut and sent on their way.
The Homecoming bonfire is now dedicated to L.V. Risinger, the student who famously threw a 2x4 at the plane, causing it to crash-land. The burning of the L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire takes place on Friday evening of Homecoming week.
Other Traditions
Respect Campus: True Tarleton State Texans honor the campus by not walking on the grass. This long-standing tradition is one reason the Tarleton State campus has retained its beauty for more than 100 years.
Duck Camp: Duck Camp helps incoming students learn about campus activities, organizations and Tarleton State's rich traditions. It’s a bonding experience helping new Tarleton Texans start their college days off with excitement and enthusiasm.
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