History of the MPC Lobo Mascot

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.

Photo 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.  

Photo credit (left to right): El Paisano yearbook, 1956; El 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. 

Photo 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.

Photo 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.

Photo 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.