Recently, we’ve been going through our Fox Tales archives and doing a little reminiscing. We came across this awesome post about the evolution of our very own Shooter the Fox. Have you ever wondered why we are the Marist Red Foxes? Shooter the Fox has undergone various costume changes throughout the years, and has come a long way since his first day on the job.
In 1961, the Athletic Director, Brother William Murphy, created a varsity basketball team and was in need of a mascot and logo. Brother Murphy was reading a sports catalog when he noticed a reynard, which is another word for a red fox, on the cover of the magazine. It worked out very well to use the Red Fox as the mascot for Marist College because these fuzzy little guys are native to the Hudson Valley region.
The first time the Marist Fox symbol appears is in 1964. The Marist Red Fox is shown wearing a sailor’s hat. Marist used to have a very competitive sailing team. The Marist Fox shows up again in the 1965 yearbook still supporting his sailor hat.
By discovering the incredible Marist Archives collections, it allowed me to really appreciate the history of Marist. In 2013, Fashionology released a new line of vintage clothing using this image of the reynard from 1964. This flashback embodies Marist pride from the past and the future. It shows how realizing the beautiful history of your surroundings can inspire new, fresh ideas. So, taking a step back and reflecting on the history of Marist College can make you realize how lucky you are to be a Red Fox.
Make sure to follow Marist Archives on Twitter for more information about the history of Marist College!
Shooter the Fox, present day.
Stay in contact with Shooter through his Twitter and Instagram accounts!
Twitter: @maristredfox
Instagram: @maristfox
