Clyde the Cougar Unmasked

In the span of nearly two and a half centuries of College of Charleston history, he is but a blip on our institutional radar. But in the relatively short period of time he has served as the College’s official mascot, Clyde the Cougar has become to many a beloved and irreplaceable symbol of our university, as recognizable and symbolic as Randolph Hall or the Cistern Yard.

From humble beginnings in a shabby, ill-fitting and somewhat menacing-looking cougar suit in the 1970s to today’s wide-eyed, cartoonish version, Clyde has evolved with the times. The modern iteration of Clyde maintains a busy performance schedule, collects appearance fees and boasts his own Twitter handle.

No one person can lay claim to the title of Clyde. He is a composite of generations of student volunteers who have, quite literally, given their blood, sweat – lots of sweat – and tears to embody this goofy, lovable, strutting hunk of feline fun.

Finally, however, Clyde has come unmasked. To meet some of the men and women who served as mascot, read the full story in the College of Charleston Magazine.

Todd Crowe ’86 revisits his days as mascot Clyde the Cougar.