Last semester was a flurry of feathers with the arrival of Oglethorpe’s new Stormy Petrel mascot. The new and improved Petey debuted during a home basketball game and immediately went to work, rallying his fellow Stormy Petrels to victory. Petey has become a friendly (yet intimidating, when necessary)—presence both on and off campus.

Petey’s makeover even has the approval of an expert. Accordingly to Dr. Roarke Donnelly, associate professor of biology, past versions sacrificed biological accuracy for an imposing mascot, while the new Petey blends the two. “He doesn’t look like a wimp, yet he shows the plumage coloration and bill shape common to all petrels. The tube on top of the bill is a particularly nice touch because these birds must use them to shed excess salt from the sea… It’s a big improvement over the last mascot costume (may he rest in peace) and a nice blend of biological fact, whimsy, and school spirit.”

Nescit Cedere!

Petey Through The Years:

1923 Yamacraw drawing of Petey

1929

1936

1962

1962

1965

1980s

1991

A Petrel of an earlier era