Pistol Pete is an adored public figure not just for New Mexico State University, but for southern New Mexico. You may find him at just about every atheltic event taking pictures with fans and taking part of several community events and organizations throughout the year.
Starting in 1973, Pistol Pete made his first live apperance in a costume made by a student featuring a crimson felt cutout of an "A" and a pistol and off-white cowboy hat donated by a fan to compelte the costume.
Today, Pistol Pete is part of the spirit squad for the NMSU cheerleading team and is portrayed by a NMSU student dressed in old-fashioned cowboy attire, with a cowboy hat, a vest, chaps, and armed with twirling pistols.
Students portraying Pistol Pete 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.
History of the Pistol Pete Icon
Vowing to avenge the death of his father, Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton began sharpshooter training with the soldiers at Fort Gibson, Okla., where he earned his nickname at the age of 15. By 1881 at age 21, he gunned down the last of his father's murderers in Albuquerque, N.M.
In 1923, Eaton agreed for his photo to be turned into a college caricature, and in the 1950s Pistol Pete became the mascot of New Mexico State University, for his exemplification of the cowboy spirit and the old west culture of NMSU.
View the History of Pistol Pete Timeline
