Feel the power. Before you stand the Cougars Sculpture. Two magnificent bronze cougars. A male and a female. They guard the Cullen Family Plaza. This majestic pair wasn’t always here.
John and Rebecca Moores gifted these impressive statues to the University of Houston in 2004. The male cougar is slightly larger than his female counterpart. They are more than just artwork. They’re a symbol. A symbol of the University’s spirit and pride.
Students and alumni alike come here. Before big games. They rub the cougars’ paws. It’s a tradition. A belief that touching the paws brings good luck. Especially during Homecoming. Even some students rub them before final exams. Hoping for a little extra help on those tests.
The Cougars Sculpture is linked to a fascinating tradition. The “Cougar Sign”. Students and fans show their UH pride. By folding their ring finger and thumb towards their palm. It goes back to 1953. Shasta I the first live cougar mascot. Lost a toe. The University of Texas mocked the injury. The Cougars turned the negative into a symbol of defiance. A symbol of their own strength. A unique identity.
These bronze figures. Silent witnesses to years of games wins and losses celebrations and study sessions. They are more than just statues. They are living reminders of University of Houston’s rich history. A legacy of pride resilience and unwavering spirit. A testament to the power of tradition and belief. Look closely. Feel the strength in their gaze. Feel the energy. The Cougar spirit is palpable here. And it’s yours to share.