Traditions: The History of Cougar Paw

it's more than a gesture it's a symbol of resilience unity and unwar cougar Pride it's the heart and soul of the University of Houston's athletic tradition it's the cougar [Music] PA the cougar PA is a long-standing tradition that connects to past present and future generations of cougars it serves as a reminder of the University's history and Collective identity of its members over the decades the cougar Paul has been displayed by students athletes and alumni symbolizing strength courage and the unyielding cougar Spirit whether it's at sporting events graduation ceremonies or alumni Gatherings the cougar Paul symbolizes belonging and pride and at the heart of this tradition lives its inspiration [Music] shter our story dates back to 1953 and the Rivalry with the University of Texas while traveling to Austin to face University of Texas shast at first had a toe severed in a cage door prior to the game several opposing players and fans noticed the injury and began taunting uh players by holding their hands up with the ring finger bent to their Palm suggesting the Cougars were weak opponents what could have been a moment of Despair became a defining chapter in our universary [Music] history students rallied around Shasta adopting a hand gesture that mimicked her missing toe which later became known as the cougar Paul the cougar faithful utilized the hand sign in a 2020 tie against the Longhorns in 1968 and believed it played a major role in the contest When U ofh entered the Southwest Conference in 1976 the Cougars defeated the Longhorns in Austin 30 to nothing submitting to Rally cry for the Cougars tradition tells cougar faithful the Pauls extended on the right hand to demonstrate Pride amongst the University of Houston Community cougar Paul quickly became more than just a hand sign it evolved into a beacon of strength for our athletic teams whether on the football field basketball court or any other Arena our athletes carry the spirit of Shasta and the cougar Paul into every competition [Music] it represents their grit determination and their Relentless Pur of Excellence that defines Houston Athletics he had eight career kick returns for touchdowns make it [Music] nine from legendary victories to Unforgettable place the cougar Paul has been there through it all it's seen as Triumph against the odds for the first time in 37 years celebrate incredible wins the Cougars are going to the final four and stand tall in the face of from the first Flor out to the every time our athletes and fans raise a coug PA it's a tribute to the legacy of those who came before and a pledge to continue the fight today to Cougar Paul is more than just a gesture it's a tribute to the resilience and strength of Shasta to overcome her injury embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines the univers univ of Houston Community it's a reminder of the community and the camaraderie that defines the University of Houston in essence the couger call is more than just a hand sign it's a powerful emblem of the University's spirit and values today the cou Paul unites us it Bridges the past with the present connecting students to lumni and supporters and a shared tradition it's a symbol of our Collective identity and the indomitable spirit that drives us forward when you see the cougar Paul you're reminded that we are all part of something great and enduring Legacy of cougar Pride so next time you see the cougar Paul remember its origin and the story of resilience it represents it's more than just a symbol it's a testament to the enduring Spirit of the University of Houston so here's touger Paul a symbol of our strength unity and unw in commitment to Excellence I'm Carl Lewis go coups