Gunrock has a new look — and it is fierce. The beloved Aggie mascot, a brilliant blue mustang, became official in 2003, when students chose him by 98 percent of the vote (he’s named after the military breeding horse Gun Rock that stayed at UC Davis from 1921 to 1931). This year marked 10 years since the creation of the last costume. “We felt it was time to find new features for Gunrock,” said Scott Brayton, who spearheaded the project in athletics marketing. “He’s long past the usual timeline for mascot costumes, which is generally around four to five years.” Along with reimagined facial characteristics, Gunrock now sports a broader and more muscular frame, a trait Brayton said embodies the healthy Davis lifestyle. Here are some of the other key changes.

New features include:

• Sharper ears to hear that “Bossy Cow Cow” chant.
• Shorter mane keeps Gunrock’s attention on the next play — not whippin’ back and forth.
• Focused eyes convey ferocious Aggie Pride and determination in the face of finals.
• Slimmer, more horse-like face. Contrary to some beliefs, cows are our friends — not our mascot.
• Defined nose to smell the fear in rivals as Aggies bring out their A-game.
• Stronger muscles from tireless days at the Activities and Recreation Center.
• Where is Gunrock’s tail? He now has the freedom to choose when to take his tail along, because let’s face it, no one wants their tail trampled during a game.
• Kickin’ blue sneakers to keep up with the team and boogie with Cal Aggie Marching Band-Uh!

Photo: Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis