Some mascots are just costumes with oversized heads and exaggerated smiles. But not at New Mexico State University. Here, the mascot packs pistols (literally), rocks cowboy boots, and carries over a century of tradition on his shoulders.
Meet Pistol Pete — the no-nonsense, mustachioed gunslinger who’s been stomping through Aggie country longer than most of us have been alive.
From gun-twirling cowboy to campus legend, Pete is more than a sideline entertainer. He’s the face of NMSU pride, and his story? It’s one of grit, rebellion, and a little mascot controversy.
What Is the New Mexico State Aggies’ Mascot?
The official mascot of the New Mexico State Aggies is none other than Pistol Pete. It’s a sharp-shooting cowboy inspired by real-life Old West legend Frank Pistol Pete Eaton.
Born in the late 1800s, Eaton lived a life that sounds straight out of a Western movie: he avenged his father’s death, became a U.S. Deputy Marshal, and eventually lent his gritty cowboy persona to universities like Oklahoma State and New Mexico State.
At NMSU, Pete made his debut as a cartoonish cowboy figure sometime around the 1950s. But the roots go deeper.
Back when the university was still called New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (New Mexico A&M), it was searching for a mascot that embodied the fearless, hardworking identity of its students, many of whom came from agricultural or ranching backgrounds.
Pete checked every box. He was tough, wild, and had just the right mix of charisma and chaos. For decades, Pistol Pete was portrayed by students wearing cowboy hats, leather chaps, and holsters with twin six-shooters strapped to their sides. He wasn’t just a cheerleader. He was a Western icon.
And if you think Pete is just there to pose for selfies during football games, think again. He rides into tailgates, leads parades, dances with the cheer squad, and hypes up the crowd from kickoff to the final whistle. His pistols aren’t real anymore (thankfully), but the legacy? That’s as powerful as ever.
Why Was Pistol Pete Chosen as the Mascot?
To understand why Pistol Pete was chosen, you’ve got to remember what NMSU stands for. Founded in 1888 as a land-grant institution, the school was built to serve the working class of the American Southwest — farmers, engineers, cowboys, and trailblazers.
The mascot had to represent that no-quit, dirt-on-your-boots, sun-on-your-face kind of life. A snarling wildcat or dancing banana just wouldn’t cut it.
Pistol Pete — based on an actual gunslinger who stood up for justice — captured the spirit of the region and the university. He was chosen because he wasn’t just a character; he was a legend. And he symbolized the strength, resilience, and independence that defined Aggie culture.
However, Pete’s wild reputation didn’t come without drama. In 2005, the university tried to soften its image by introducing a new version: “Lasso Larry.” Instead of pistols, Larry had a rope, a less intimidating stance, and — unfortunately — a whole lot less swagger. The fans weren’t having it.
The backlash was swift. By 2007, Pete was back — pistols drawn and crowd roaring. The university embraced the original mascot again, guns and all, with the understanding that he’d be a symbol of tradition, not violence.
Today, Pete remains one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports. He’s known for his twirling mustache, booming presence, and ability to fire up a stadium full of Aggies. From homecoming parades to bowl game appearances, Pete hasn’t lost an ounce of his charm — or grit.
KEEP READING: College Football Power Rankings: Clemson Football, Ohio State Football Sit Atop the 136 FBS Teams
His image has appeared on everything from foam fingers to championship rings, but it’s his presence at games and events that makes him so iconic. When Pete storms the field or poses with a young fan, he reminds everyone what it means to be an Aggie—tough, proud, and rooted in tradition.
And let’s be real: college mascots come and go. They change costumes, lose relevance, or fade into the background. But not Pete. He’s stood tall through generations of students, rebranding attempts, and social change.
Through it all, he’s still the same — a Wild West cowboy who doesn’t need to say much to be heard. After all, legends don’t need introductions — they just ride on.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
