The Maverick as Mascot

The Maverick Monument is the first statue representing what has been UNO’s mascot since a student vote in 1971 — and the first mascot statue in the University of Nebraska system.

UNO students in 1971 voted “Mavericks” as the university’s new nickname, narrowly defeating “Unicorns” as the new moniker. UNO teams previously had been known as the “Indians” (1939-71), Cardinals (1924-39), Maroons (1920-24), Crimson & Black (1913-20) and Ponies/Shetlands (1912-13).

The UNO Alumni Association in the 1970s previously sponsored live bull mascots at home football games — Sudden Sam (1972) and Victor E. Maverick (1973-76). Victor E. spent game days in a corral at the north end of Al F. Caniglia Field and was run onto the field following scores by three student handlers.

In the 1990s the Association also helped underwrite the athletic department’s costumed “Durango” mascot.

“I can already imagine generations of alumni returning to campus with their children and grandchildren to have a photo with Maverick Monument,” said Lee Denker, president of the UNO Alumni Association. “This gift is a powerful way to kick off our next 100 years of alumni service to UNO.”