🧑‍🤝‍🧑Mascot: "Gauchos"

The Gaucho mascot is definitely one that stands out, and it's used by several schools, especially in California. Imagine a tough-sounding cowboy from South America, and you've got the Gaucho. This mascot originated from an old Hollywood film called "The Gaucho" back in 1927, starring Douglas Fairbanks. At UC Santa Barbara, for example, students chose the Gaucho in 1936 because they wanted a mascot with more grit than their previous one, the Roadrunner🐦. The Gaucho is often depicted as a strong, adventurous figure, riding horses and exploring the open plains of Argentina and Brazil. However, it's also important to know that this mascot has faced some criticism for cultural appropriation and stereotyping. Despite this, many schools still see the Gaucho as a symbol of bravery and resilience 🏆. So, if you're looking for a mascot that's bold and fearless, the Gaucho is certainly an interesting choice.