New Mexico State University

Inspired after the gun-slinging lawman, Frank Eaton, the then New Mexico A&M adopted the collegiate mascot "Pistol Pete" in the 1950s to represent the Aggie pride and culture of the university. There have been various forms of Pistol Pete over the years, including one version with a wired on mustache and a large fiber-glass head too hot to wear during football games. Currently, Pistol Pete wears traditional cowboy style attire, including a button-up shirt, denim jeans, leather vest, chaps, boots and his ever-popular mustache, holster and pistols.

Pistol Pete is not only important to all athletic events but also a variety of community, student and alumni events with more than 90 appearances throughout the year. The individuals portraying Pete are full-time students who competitively audition for the USA Collegiate Cheerleading National Champion Mascot position. These hardworking students also receive a scholarship from the Alumni Association funded by proceeds from the New Mexico State University license plate program.