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.


17,745 responses to “No more changes for Rebel mascot”

  1. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

  2. This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|

  3. You really make it appear so easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be really one thing which I think I might never understand. It seems too complicated and very large for me. I am taking a look ahead to your next put up, I’ll attempt to get the hold of it!|

  4. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  5. Excellent blog right here! Also your site rather a lot up very fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your associate link for your host? I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol|

  6. I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i’m glad to express that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most without a doubt will make sure to don?t put out of your mind this website and provides it a look on a constant basis.|

  7. That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!|

  8. Thanks for another excellent post. The place else may just anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.|

  9. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Thank you!|

  10. Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks|

  11. Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely wonderful. I really like what you’ve obtained right here, certainly like what you are saying and the best way during which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a wonderful web site.|

  12. Hey would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!|

  13. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  14. Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!|

  15. Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any points for first-time blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.|

  16. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!|

  17. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you are no longer actually much more neatly-appreciated than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You understand thus considerably relating to this topic, made me in my opinion believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated except it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. At all times handle it up!|

  18. This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|

  19. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will often come back at some point. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing, have a nice evening!|

  20. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Regards!|

  21. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!|

  22. Great website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get comments from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!|

  23. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

  24. Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.

  25. When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Thanks.

Leave a Reply to vanity address generator Cancel reply

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