Who is purdue pete

According to one account, Epple out of the blue said "Pete". So the famed Boilermaker was named, and in the issue of Debris , Purdue Pete was everywhere. Pete wouldn't assume a human form for another 4 years after that. The Debris yearbook hosts the first photograph of Purdue Pete. In athletic director Guy "Red" Mackey gave the go ahead to create a sports mascot to inspire fans at home football games.

Larry Brumbaugh was selected to be the first Pete by the Pep Committee. Brumbaugh was then faced with the task of finding a costume for Pete. That woman was Mrs. John Keltner of Union City, Indiana. He recalls Pete in a similar fashion, "You were just out there kind of freelancing.

Over the years, Purdue Pete has undergone many changes, as illustrated by the photos in this section. Pete has endured theft, disrepair and changing styles. Pete's demeanor has changed from the contented grin created for Larry Brumbaugh to a version with a mouth that doubled as eye-holes to an angry-and-furrowed Pete and back to the Pete he is today.

Bill Rodkey, a former Pete. Being selected as Purdue Pete is an honor that has belonged to many people over the past 45 years. There are only four Purdue Petes selected for each year. According to a Petes representative in the athletic office, about fifty people tryout for the role of the mascot each year. Of those fifty, six to ten are selected for the final cut.

These finalists must then perform a skit that they themselves create. The selection committee then brings the number of contestants down to a final four. The four Petes share the responsibility of being both Purdue mascots, Pete and Rowdy, at football and basketball games, other athletic events and activities around the community. Each year, all four Petes attend the National Mascot Competition.

May he one day reach the Promised Land of a Final Four. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Stories Schedule Roster. Filed under:. Purdue Pete has undergone five makeovers , according to the university, since he first appeared in University Bookstore ads in Purdue University: Classes start with largest enrollment ever.

In , the university attempted a remake of Purdue Pete after reports the mascot was frightening children. At some point, the poor old guy has to come into the 21st century. A year after the makeover, old Purdue Pete reemerged. Purdue football preseason camp: Picks for top players, coach.