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THE BELOVED MASCOT OF WVU
The Mountaineer mascot is one of the most cherished of all WVU athletic traditions.
Mountaineer Appearance RequestSince 1934 the buckskin-clad, rifle toting Mountaineer has been the beloved mascot of WVU. In addition to attending all major sporting events, the mascot is frequently seen around campus and the community.
Mikel Hager, 2023
Mikel Hager, a native of Madison, West Virginia, is West Virginia University’s 69th Mountaineer mascot. Mikel is pursuing an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology with a double minor in psychology and communication students.
The buckskins the Mountaineers wear are traditionally made from deer hide and tailored for each mascot. The Mountaineer also wears a coonskin cap and moccasins and carries a powder horn along with an American-made black powder rifle.
The Mountaineer reminds us of the strength and courage of all West Virginians and of proud traditions continuing to be passed down to future generations.
This official photograph was taken at Hawk’s Nest State Park in Ansted, WV, in Fayette County.
Lawson Hill, 1934-35
Lawson Hill was the first official Mountaineer in 1934.
Boyd "Slim" Arnold, 1937-39
In 1937, Boyd "Slim" Arnold was the first Mountaineer to wear buckskins.
Natalie Tennant, 1990-91
In 1991, Natalie Tennant was the first female Mountaineer.
