University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics

Mascots of the Past

Mascots of the
Past

For the first 60 years through three name changes, the University had kept the nickname of the Bulldogs.  This mascot was identified by an actual bulldog that would lead the team onto the field before most of the football games.

Then, in the early 1960's as an effort to "fire up" the football team, Coach Russ Faulkinberry called his team the Raging Cajuns since 95 percent of the football team was from the Acadiana area.  It was then decided by the Sports Information Director, Bob Henderson, to honor the team and the Cajun heritage by calling them the Raging Cajuns.  The nickname of the Bulldogs was replaced in 1962.  Not long after, this was shortened to Ragin' Cajuns.  The Ragin' Cajuns athletics were on the rise.

Even though the nickname had been changed, the bulldog was still evident across the University.  In fact, for many years after, one could see a bulldog marching on the football field protecting his territory.  But the Ragin' Cajuns still needed a face to go with the name.

For a brief period of time, Cajun Man reigned over the field and courts and rallied the crowd.  For a story of Cajun Man and his whereabouts, submitted by himself in a local newspaper, click here.  Cajun Man had graduated and moved on, so the University was in need, once again, for a new face.

The Cajun Chicken had shown up on the doorsteps of the complex and created a new experience to add to the game.  Not only did he add to the excitement that is Ragin' Cajuns athletics, he was also quite entertaining and could cause a stir.  With the spirit of Elvis Presley, the talent of Michael Jackson, and the darkness of the Grim Reaper, no fan would ever know what the Cajun Chicken would do next.  To see a video of the Fabulous Cajun Chicken, click here.

The Cajun Chicken ruled the fields and courts for many years, but, like Cajun Man, he had to move on and the Unversity needed something that would better represent the name Ragin' Cajuns.

The University had to look no further than the new logos.  Inside the logo, a pepper was used as the apostrophe for Ragin'.  The only problem was where could the Ragin' Cajuns find this mascot.  To find out where Cayenne came from, click here. 

Of course, as Cayenne grew into his role, he changed significantly over the years.  He added excitement while promoting school pride.  He represented all that is the Cajun culture and the Acadiana area.

For more information of the mascots, click below.