Mavericks… I didn’t even know what a maverick was before committing to Colorado Mesa University (CMU). Other colleges have epic mascots such as the geoduck, okra, banana slug and cayenne pepper. 

Obviously, CMU is behind in the times and sticks out like a sore thumb.

Introduced to CMU in 1929, the maverick has given our school 93 years of inspiration, school spirit and unity. From Rufus and Ferdinand to Trouble and Cisco, CMU’s mascot has always been a beacon of what it means to be a maverick.

 However, to keep up with the Joneses and freshen our campus culture, CMU should change their mascot to the blobfish. 

Blobfish are amazing creatures and a picture of the true college student. Blobfish have abnormally large heads, showing just how much information students are retaining. Identical to a student around finals season, they don’t see sunlight unless forced. 

With the immense pressure change between the deep sea and land, blobfish can’t reach the surface of the ocean alive. College students portray this characteristic by coming out of graduation burnt-out and lethargic. Blobfish are incredibly relatable to the average student.

Furthermore, I petition for the blobfish’s name to be Horace. With a Latin origin meaning “season,” this encapsulates our short time as students of CMU. 

Plus, who has ever heard of a collegiate mascot named Horace? It’s much more attention-grabbing than Rowdy the Maverick. 

Blobfish also care deeply about their young and stick with each other on the depths of the ocean. 

Compared to the maverick, wild and free, students will be reminded of the CMU community and will come together under the guidance of Horace. 

Horace reminds us that we as blobfish are resilient, adaptable and community oriented.

So, farewell Rowdy and hello Horace!