by Apollonia Trujillo
Daily Lobo
The UNM Lobo mascot and school colors are instantly recognizable to most students on campus and probably the majority of New Mexico residents as well.
What most probably don't know, however, is how and when these and other traditions at the school began.
The cherry red often seen in the sunset of the Sandia Mountains and the silver flowing through the Rio Grande River are the official school colors.
The colors were changed from black and gold in 1897, and are said to better represent New Mexico.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
From 1973 to 1979, turquoise showed up in the University's athletic team uniforms, but they returned to cherry and silver in 1980.
Donna Balduini, Alumni Association administrative assistant, said traditions are important in making everyone feel united.
She said bonfires are her favorite tradition, but after a Texas Tech University bonfire raged out of control and New Mexico's drought season became more prevalent, the school's bonfires were put to a halt.
Balduini said the most important tradition is Homecoming because of its participation level.
She said because of the smaller space, basketball games used to be packed in Johnson Center, but "Pack the Pit" nights attempt to do the same.
The UNM fight song, written by Dean Lena Clauve in 1930, is often heard at sporting events.
Many incoming freshmen first hear the chants used at sporting events during Lobo Orientation.
The first football players in 1892 were named the "University Boys" or "Varsities." They played on a dirt and gravel field in Old Town. There was no mascot for the team until George Bryan, editor of the UNM Weekly suggested Lobo in Sept. 1920. The University's weekly newspaper went on to become the Daily Lobo.
The publication reported in Oct. 1920 that the Lobo is respected for his cunning, feared for his prowess and is the leader of the pack. It said it was the ideal name for the Varsity Boys, who go forth to battle for the glory of the school.
Lobo, the Spanish name for wolf, was adopted as the name of the University's sports teams. The Lobos had a live mascot, under the control of the cheerleaders, until the late '20s when the Lobo pup bit a child.
In 1960, Lobo Louie stepped into the scene and was accompanied by Lobo Lucy in 1980.
