Pistol Pete (Oklahoma State University)

Pistol Pete is the mascot of Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The mascot is a caricature of Frank Eaton, a real-life cowboy, frontiersman, and U.S. Deputy Marshal. OSU adopted "Pistol Pete" as its mascot in 1923, though Eaton himself was associated with the school for many years prior.

The image of Pistol Pete depicts a smiling cowboy with a prominent mustache, wearing a cowboy hat, vest, and boots, and often carrying (though sometimes absent in modern representations) a pistol. The mascot embodies the spirit of the Old West and Oklahoma's frontier heritage.

Over the years, the visual representation of Pistol Pete has been updated and modernized, but the core elements of the character design have remained consistent. The mascot is a popular figure at OSU athletic events, university functions, and throughout the state of Oklahoma. Students portraying Pistol Pete are selected through a tryout process based on their personality, enthusiasm, and ability to embody the character.

The name "Pistol Pete" is also sometimes used informally to refer to Oklahoma State University or its athletic programs. The association with Frank Eaton and the cowboy image helps to distinguish OSU from other universities with similar names or colors. The mascot serves as a powerful symbol of school spirit and tradition.