New TAMIU Mascot Bows at Saturday’s Hoops Madness Festival

“Dusty” is hanging up his gloves and kicking off his boots for good. There’s a new mascot in town.
Over the years, Texas A&M International University’s “Dusty” mascot has marked many milestones in the University’s history. As the University enters its first year as an active member of NCAA Division II, it is introducing a new mascot for TAMIU Athletics.

The “Dustdevil,” TAMIU Athletics’ new official mascot, will be unveiled during the TAMIU Hoops Madness Festival Saturday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. at the University’s Kinesiology-Convocation Building.

The annual Festival serves to introduce TAMIU’s 2008-2009 Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. It features music, food, a 3-point shootout, a slam-dunk contest and a community-wide 3 on 3 tournaments. Entrance to the family-friendly event is free and community members of all ages are invited to attend.

Dr. Debbie Snell, TAMIU athletics director, said the community can meet the Dustdevil basketball teams and get to know more about TAMIU and its programs.

“Our intention as we enter our first year of active membership in the NCAA Division II is to bring all of our top-quality athletic teams as well as our pep band and cheerleaders in one place and welcome our new Dustdevil,” Dr. Snell said, “The Hoops Madness Festival is a perfect venue to showcase the talent that exists at TAMIU.”

The new Dustdevil was created with the input of both current TAMIU students and alumni, Snell said.

“We are entering the next stage of our growth as an NCAA Division II member and introducing the Dustdevil to represent TAMIU in athletics and off-campus community events,” Snell said, “As we do this, we realize the historical role that ‘Dusty’ played over the years and we have asked the University to appropriately archive and display ‘Dusty’ at a permanent location at the KCB.”

Snell said “Dusty” will occupy a permanent spot at the KCB so that people can understand how valuable he was to TAMIU.

“We have received so much support from the University community as well as the community at large for the new Dustdevil and look forward to an exciting year and future for TAMIU Athletics,” Snell said.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326-2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268, or click on tamiu.edu

For Dustdevil Athletics schedules, stats, team profiles, community events and more, visit GoDustdevils.com

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu