No more changes for Rebel mascot


The mustachioed mascot at Hays High School looks like he’s hopping mad.

col jack hays rebel mascot
Illustration by Hays Free Press

If so, he’s got his reasons. First, “Colonel Jack” lost his belt buckle bearing the Stars and Bars. Then the carpetbaggers commandeered his pistols, replacing
them with a couple of harmless flags.

At least no one’s tried to strip him of his uniform. Might there be a pair of long johns beneath those Confederate grays?

In the past few weeks, a rebel yell has been raised to protect Colonel Jack from any further insult. Hays High School alumni and athletic supporters are coming together to save their mascot from the dustbin of history, much like the fate of actual Rebels who fought during the Civil War.

“Don’t take the rebel away!” implores one Facebook group, which boasts more than 100 members.

But those sympathizers are just whistling Dixie, according to Hays High School Principal David Pierce.

“It’s all rumor,” he said. “It’s all false. I have not tried to change any mascot, nor have I wanted to change the mascot.”

It’s not even up for discussion, Pierce added.

“There’s not been anyone that’s approached me about it,” he said. “I’m sure there’s people out there that don’t like it. Really, that could be said for a lot of mascots.”

The mascot has been around almost as long as football coach Bob Shelton, who retired after the end of last season. Shelton had coached at Hays since it opened in 1968, and at Buda High School four years before that.

“As far as I know, people will take that mascot, and different organizations will do different things with it,” Shelton said. “The ones we use for athletics, I think he still has guns in his hands.”

People have argued that Confederate imagery, including the rebel, is a painful reminder of slavery. At the collegiate level, the University of Mississippi’s mascot, Colonel Reb, was retired in 2003. Last year, Ole Miss replaced him with an anthropomorphic black bear.

About 10 high schools around Texas boast Rebel mascots.

The original Colonel Jack, though, was no rebel. Jack C. Hays, the namesake of Hays High School and Hays County, was a former Texas Ranger who lived in California during the Civil War.

During the fighting, he remained neutral.

Published Feb. 17, 2011, in the Hays Free Press.


17,765 responses to “No more changes for Rebel mascot”

  1. You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read a single thing like that before. So nice to discover somebody with unique thoughts on this subject. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a little originality.

  2. What?s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Good job.

  3. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit evaluation on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If attainable, as you grow to be experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with extra details? It is extremely useful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog put up!

  4. I just couldn’t go away your website before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a person supply for your visitors? Is gonna be again frequently to investigate cross-check new posts

  5. Thanks for your submission. I also think laptop computers have gotten more and more popular nowadays, and now in many cases are the only sort of computer used in a household. Simply because at the same time that they’re becoming more and more inexpensive, their working power keeps growing to the point where there’re as highly effective as desktop out of just a few years ago.

  6. Thanks , I have recently been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the best I have came upon till now. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?|

  7. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having similar RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!|

  8. Hi there! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept talking about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!

  9. Hi there, I think your web site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great site.

  10. 634717 770335I haven?t checked in here for some time because I thought it was acquiring boring, but the last couple of posts are really good quality so I guess I?ll add you back to my day-to-day bloglist. You deserve it my friend. insurance guides 266047

  11. I was pretty pleased to discover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new information in your web site.|

  12. I have learned some new items from your website about pcs. Another thing I have always imagined is that laptop computers have become a specific thing that each house must have for several reasons. They offer convenient ways to organize homes, pay bills, go shopping, study, listen to music and in some cases watch television shows. An innovative way to complete all of these tasks is by using a computer. These desktops are mobile, small, effective and easily transportable.

  13. I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.

  14. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal website now 😉

  15. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired! Very useful info specially the ultimate phase 🙂 I handle such information much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a very lengthy time. Thank you and best of luck.

  16. I was pretty pleased to discover this website. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things in your blog.

  17. Can I simply just say what a relief to find a person that actually knows what they’re discussing on the internet. You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular since you certainly have the gift.

  18. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

Leave a Reply to gau porn Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *