Letter from Steve Orsini ... re: mascots

[lwedge]

This seems like an appropriate time to share. My 6 year old loved the Blvd as always on Saturday. Saw Peruna and loved him. Asked if they're still going to have the "big horse" next week "so Peruna will have a friend"...asked a couple of more times about the big horse...loved watching Peruna at the game. Walking out the long way, we passed by the Peruna memorial to the east of the scoreboard. He stopped, and said how sad...all the Perunas are right here...I'm going to pray for all the Perunas. Cant wait to see Peruna again next week and the parachute guys!

Then: So will Peruna's big friend be here too?

Peruna's not going anywhere. I guess I'm more moderate than most. Anyway a few years ago people w/ PETA et al were [deleted] about Mike the Tiger being a caged animal at LSU. Ever seen Mike's new habitat outside the Maravich center? You won't find a finer pseudo-natural habitat anywhere. And yes, I know they didnt add another Tiger or whatever. But people complained nevertheless that LSU should not keep an animal in captivity.

Anyway, I thought it was supposed to be a new day in America. What happened to Yes We Can?

I have seen Mike's "cage" at LSU and it is awesome. PETA should be angling to have all "mascots" enjoy this kind of luxury.

I think there are Katrina holdouts still there that won't move back to the Big Easy.

The SMU alums will win out in the Peruna war - no doubt. Way too much history there and too much support.

Let the defense run out one step behind Peruna. They have both been in step to lead us to victoy.

[Stallion]

they need to get rid of the girl trotting Peruna. If June wants to embrace SMU tradition like Jackie Sherrill embraced the 12th Man-he ought to get Aldrick Robinson and Shawnbray McNeil to run that Pony. Those are the only two Mustangs I want to see run with Peruna

[Crong]

So do we get rid of "Pony Ears" too? I'm sure the players (June) also associate this with losing.

We need big mean mustang ears. I know our opponents will be intimidated.

Proposed new mustang ears:

[Statler]

="mr. ponyNearly 8 decades with this discrepancy.

I still don't get why people want to diminish the role of Peruna (and it will be if the geldings lead the team on the field instead of Peruna). Look at that large university to South...the Aggie mascot is a dog.....does that have anything to do with the term"Aggie?" ...maybe "Farmers" but now that is a stretch isn't it. Furthermore, it is a female collie...It's Lassie for cryin' out loud..AND they give her a homecoming mum to wear.

And if you really want to talk image...I mean we are playing the Midshipman this week. They have GOAT....The future leaders of the greatest navy in the world has a goat....And don't even start talking about Army...they have a MULE....

You can lead a gelding to water but you can't make it drink.

[PK]

You can lead a gelding to water but you can't make it drink.

That's not the only thing you can't make it do...or even entice it to do.

[HB Pony Dad]

="mr. ponyNearly 8 decades with this discrepancy.

I still don't get why people want to diminish the role of Peruna (and it will be if the geldings lead the team on the field instead of Peruna). Look at that large university to South...the Aggie mascot is a dog.....does that have anything to do with the term"Aggie?" ...maybe "Farmers" but now that is a stretch isn't it. Furthermore, it is a female collie...It's Lassie for cryin' out loud..AND they give her a homecoming mum to wear.

And if you really want to talk image...I mean we are playing the Midshipman this week. They have GOAT....The future leaders of the greatest navy in the world has a goat....And don't even start talking about Army...they have a MULE....

You can lead a gelding to water but you can't make it drink.

It may be a new millennium, however truisms never cease!

This is not complex even for a "Pay your Fees, Get your degrees" USC Alum...

$$$$$ Talks
Pony Poo Walks

[Bergermeister]

Dear Mustang Fans:
When we were contacted by their leadership, we felt the need to partner with the group to help save the Mustangs.
Sincerely,
Steve Orsini
Director of Athletics

"felt the need"? BALONEY.

[Dooby]

they need to get rid of the girl trotting Peruna. If June wants to embrace SMU tradition like Jackie Sherrill embraced the 12th Man-he ought to get Aldrick Robinson and Shawnbray McNeil to run that Pony. Those are the only two Mustangs I want to see run with Peruna

Admit it. It was kind of funny when the first girn peruna handler slipped and was dragged across the field.

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

Maybe we should make Turner and Orsini into Peruna Handlers for day. Now that would be fun to see.

[Longtime]

Holy crap this guy needs an editor. What's with the history lesson about the Parsons, et al? Totally unnecessary filler.

This was obviously written by a P.R. person and approved by Orsini. With the mascot history lesson and all the statistics about the horse foundation, I never got the feeling this guy was speaking directly to me. They wanted to reach out to an alarmed fan base and instead issued a press release.

[Mestengo]

Go Mustangs!

[RunPeruna]

Quite frankly, I think this has been in the works for months and the absense of the inflatable helmet tunnel is, in part, to allow the clearance for the Mustang(s) and rider.

Is there really going to be a rider? That seems lame. Certainly doesn't seem wild with a rider.

[abezontar]

Quite frankly, I think this has been in the works for months and the absense of the inflatable helmet tunnel is, in part, to allow the clearance for the Mustang(s) and rider.

Is there really going to be a rider? That seems lame. Certainly doesn't seem wild with a rider.

You can't have someone run along beside them, the horses will look even slower than Peruna does trotting next to sprinting humans now. You can't let them run free someone, or the horses, will get hurt. All that's left is having someone ride them.

[RunPeruna]

I know you are right and I had the same thoughts, but this could take it from reasonable to ridiculous! What will the rider be a cowboy equipped with chaps, spurs, and hat? This could turn into a Woody from Toystory kind of costume...but they think Peruna is silly?

[PonyLove]

I don't care how well trained they are, the chance of them being spooked by 100 guys in uniform running behind them is pretty good....add all of the hoopla of what is going on in the stadium....this could turn into a rodeo...