Introduction
Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is a public university located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. The university was founded in 1909 as Panhandle Agricultural Institute and underwent several name changes before becoming OPSU in 1974. Today, OPSU is a thriving institution that offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields of study. However, what makes OPSU truly unique are the fun facts that surround this institution. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting and entertaining facts about OPSU.
The History of OPSU’s Mascot: Pistol Pete
OPSU’s mascot, Pistol Pete, is a beloved figure on campus and at athletic events. However, many people may not know the origins of this iconic mascot. Pistol Pete was originally created as a comic strip character in 1934 by a cartoonist named Amory “Pop” Eckler. The character was inspired by Frank Eaton, a famous cowboy and lawman who had a reputation for being a skilled shooter. In fact, Eaton had personally met and befriended “Pop” Eckler, who then used Eaton’s likeness as the basis for the Pistol Pete character.
In 1958, the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents decided to adopt the Pistol Pete character as the official mascot for Oklahoma State University (OSU). However, when OPSU was founded in 1909, they had already chosen the Aggie as their mascot. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that OPSU decided to adopt Pistol Pete as a secondary mascot. Today, both OSU and OPSU proudly display Pistol Pete at their respective athletic events.
The Guinness World Record Held by OPSU’s Rodeo Team
OPSU’s rodeo team is well-known for their talent and success in the sport. However, in 2017, they achieved something truly remarkable. The OPSU rodeo team set a new Guinness World Record for the most steer wrestling steers tipped in one minute by a team of three. The team, consisting of Rowdy Moon, Chaz Kananen, and Royce Ford, managed to tip 34 steers in one minute, breaking the previous record of 25.
The achievement was no small feat, requiring a great deal of skill and coordination between the team members. The steer wrestling event is notoriously difficult, requiring the cowboy to jump from a horse onto a running steer, grab its horns, and then wrestle it to the ground. The OPSU team’s record-breaking performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport of rodeo.
OPSU’s Unique Weather Station
OPSU’s location in the Oklahoma panhandle means that it experiences some unique weather patterns. To monitor these patterns, the university has set up a weather station that provides real-time data on wind speed, temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions. What sets this weather station apart from others is its location.
The OPSU weather station is located on top of a 120-foot tower that is shaped like a giant windmill. This tower, known as the Aggie Windmill, is a beloved landmark on campus and serves as a symbol of OPSU’s commitment to renewable energy. The windmill is not just for show, however; it generates enough electricity to power the weather station and several nearby buildings.
OPSU’s Art Collection
OPSU is home to a diverse and impressive art collection that showcases the work of both local and international artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and other forms of art. However, what makes OPSU’s art collection truly unique is its focus on Western art and artifacts.
The OPSU Art Gallery, located on campus, houses much of the university’s art collection. The gallery is open to the public and features rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of Western art and culture. One notable exhibit is the annual Art Jubilee, which showcases the work of OPSU’s art students.
In addition to the art gallery, OPSU also has a museum that houses a collection of Western artifacts. The museum’s collection includes everything from antique firearms to Native American pottery. One of the museum’s most impressive pieces is a fully restored Conestoga wagon, which was used by pioneers during the 19th century to travel across the American West.
OPSU’s Unusual Mascot Name: Aggie
While Pistol Pete is OPSU’s most well-known mascot, the university’s official mascot name is actually the Aggie. This name is a nod to OPSU’s roots as an agricultural institute. When the university was founded in 1909, its primary focus was on educating farmers and ranchers. The Aggie name reflects this heritage and is still used today to represent the university’s agricultural programs.
The term “Aggie” has a long history in American agriculture. It was first used to refer to students at Texas A&M University, which was founded in 1876 as a school for farmers and mechanics. Today, the term is used by many agricultural schools across the United States, including OPSU.
OPSU’s Connection to the Musical “Oklahoma!”
The musical “Oklahoma!” is a beloved classic that has been performed around the world since its debut in 1943. What many people may not know is that the musical has a special connection to OPSU. The composer of “Oklahoma!”, Richard Rodgers, was a close friend of Lynn Riggs, a playwright who grew up in the Oklahoma panhandle.
Riggs drew inspiration from his childhood in the panhandle when he wrote his play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” which served as the basis for the musical “Oklahoma!” Rodgers and his collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein II, visited the panhandle to gain a better understanding of the setting and characters in Riggs’ play. During their visit, they attended a football game at OPSU and even wrote a song about the university’s football team.
The song, “Boomer Sooner,” was later adapted as the fight song for the University of Oklahoma (OU). Today, “Boomer Sooner” is one of the most well-known fight songs in college athletics and is played at every OU football game. While the song may have its roots in Oklahoma’s flagship university, its connection to OPSU is a testament to the university’s place in Oklahoma’s history and culture.
Conclusion
OPSU may be a relatively small university, but its impact on Oklahoma and the wider world is significant. From its unique mascot to its world-record-holding rodeo team, OPSU is a place full of interesting and entertaining facts. The university’s commitment to Western art and culture, agriculture, and renewable energy make it a one-of-a-kind institution. Whether you’re a student, alum, or simply a fan of fun facts, OPSU is a university worth getting to know.
