(Click images to enlarge or to view the newspaper article.)
In the fall of 1947, the student representatives of Monterey Peninsula College met to select the mascot for their new school. They considered “Paisanos” and “Amigos” before deciding on the Lobo as MPC’s mascot.
Throughout the years, the MPC Lobo mascot has undergone many changes. As early as November 1949, students were considering changing the mascot from a “land wolf” to a “sea wolf.” The newspaper published drawings of a proposed sea wolf mascot (a sea lion wearing an MPC sweater). A month later it was decided that the mascot would remain a land wolf.
Credit: El Yanqui, 4 Nov. 1949, p. 2
The name “Louie the Lobo” was given to the MPC mascot. He appeared at football games, pep rallies, parades, and other campus events.
Credit: El Paisano yearbook, 1956
Credit: l Paisano yearbook, 1957
From the start, Hartnell College has been MPC’s rival. This 1953 photo shows Louie the Lobo astride Hartnell’s mascot, the panther.
Credit: El Yanqui, Nov. 26, 1953, p. 1.
Over the years, there have been several female versions of the Lobo. In 1950, the student newspaper printed a drawing of “Wolf Gal” in honor of Sadie Hawkins Day. In 1958, a female mascot, “Lola the Lobo,” was introduced.
Credit: El Yanqui, Dec. 5, 1958, p. 2.
In 1956, a real dog served as MPC’s mascot. “Louise the Lobo” was an adorable German Shepherd mix.
Credit: From the MPC Archives and Special Collections
Eventually, the MPC mascot looked less friendly and more like a scary wolf with sharp teeth. The Lobo began to appear on sweatshirts, campus gear, and in logos for MPC Athletics and the ASMPC. Today, Louie the Lobo is the ideal combination of fierce and fuzzy.
