The University of Memphis mascot Pouncer is sporting a new look this fall, and opinions on his new appearance are mixed.
When several anonymous recently donors stepped forward and donated money for a new Pouncer costume, The University jumped at the opportunity.
However, according to Kevin Grothe, The U of M’s Assistant Athletic Director, the costume was not what The University expected, and the new Pouncer’s proportions were not what the school wanted.
“We want Pouncer to be plump and cuddly. That is the image we want to put forward. This costume isn’t what we wanted,” Grothe said.
The mid- and rear- sections of the costume did not meet the specifications requested by the school. Those two costume areas were much larger than desired.
Grothe is currently in communication with the west Tennessee company that made the costume to have it altered. The company also created the Memphis Redbirds’ “Rocky Redbird” costume.
Student reaction to the bigger Pouncer has been mixed.
Some student took a middle-of-the-road approach like junior Chemistry major Ross Fergus. “I don’t dislike it,” he said. But he also said he had not paid much attention to it.
Freshman Calvin Bell admitted he hasn’t seen the costume in person but did see a picture of it.
“It’s a good costume,” he said.
Sophomore Neil Carrigan preferred the previous costume and said, “I think people will get used to it.”
Michelle Pfaffenroth, who knew a previous Pouncer, said, “He’s cute. I like him better than the old one.”
Some students said they feel the mascot now resembles something other than a ferocious tiger.
“I think it looks more like a cartoon character,” said sophomore nutrition major Christi Jones.
Some students are clearly not pleased with the costume.
“He looks fat and lazy,” said sophomore education major Keith McCauley. “So much so that it looks like if he fell over he couldn’t get back up. I want a mascot that is ready to fight. This Pouncer doesn’t come close to that.”
Grothe said he expects to hear something soon from the manufacturer about adjustments to the costume.
