Post-Gunston Era: New Mascot Gets Mixed Reactions

By Broadside Interim Assistant News Editor Kevin Loker.
Photograph by Courtney Erland.

At the men’s basketball opener, when the George Mason University community was introduced to its new and yet-to-be named mascot, student reaction appeared to indicate the welcome was far from warm. The mascot, designed to reflect “patriot spirit in the 21st century,” received an overwhelming amount of boos. Some students refused to give him friendly high-fives. To many at Mason, whether they liked Gunston or not, the new mascot has created some tension.

“What a lame rip off of Braveheart,” said senior history major James Wesolek on Gunston’s Facebook Wall, referring to the new mascot’s half-painted face, as well as the voiceover introduction at the basketball game. Before entering to the air siren and school song, the voice of the new mascot spoofed one of the film’s most popular speeches, in which Mel Gibson’s character riles up his countrymen to fight for freedom. At the game, instead of “freedom,” the Mason Nation’s fight was for “victory.”

Other students hold similar, and additional, complaints.

“Being that’s one of my favorite movies, I’m kind of upset about the whole Braveheart thing,” said freshman astronomy major Mathew Gledhill, “but I also just don’t like how he looks. His smile looks too much like ‘Smiling Bob’ from those Enzyte commercials.”

Some students have banded together in their dislike. “The New Mascot is a Disgrace to GMU and Gunston!” a new group on Facebook, has upwards of 400 members and is continuing to grow. One student has even started an online petition to “Bring Back Gunston!” to his role in Intercollegiate Athletics.

After undergoing a “makeover,” one that reveals his teeth for the first time, the character of Gunston has taken on a role in Community Relations as community ambassador for the university. The new Gunston will visit schools and libraries in the community, as well as support “green” sustainability activities and be on hand for public appearances.

“I think the new mascot will give our university a solid identity among other universities, ending the confusion of ‘What is Gunston?,’” said Associate Director for Student Activities Dennis Hicks. “The look of the new mascot is definitely more collegiate looking and fits better with the mascots of other major universities.”

Until Dec. 17, students may suggest names for the new Patriot mascot. Suggestions may be submitted online at GoMason.com or by texting the word “mascot” followed by the name suggestion to 96943.

Verizon Wireless and the Blue Ribbon Panel Mascot committee, which includes faculty, students and alumni, sponsor the contest. The winning name will be chosen from the list of suggestions. The name will be announced at a future basketball game, and the winner of the contest will receive a free reserved parking spot for one year from Parking Services.

Freshman biology major Brittany Burkhart, who says she will take part in the naming contest, says she is conflicted about the new mascot.

“I felt really bad for the mascot. I don’t think they should have changed it, but I don’t think the student reaction was what it should be,” said Burkhart. “Granted I didn’t get too attached to Gunston because I’m a freshman, but they probably shouldn’t boo the guy in the suit who’s trying to just do his job. I’ll suggest a name, but I think they should have just put Gunston in a Patriot suit and called it good,” added Burkhart.