Peter Ifeduba, left, and Annette Clark, right, pose for a photo with jaX on May 16 at the University of Houston-Victoria. For those who have worn the suit, jaX is more than just a mascot. He’s a tradition, a legacy and a chance to embody the heart of the university in their own multifaceted way. Now, two of those students, Ifeduba and Clark, are saying goodbye to that legacy after graduating on May 17.

You may see him at countless events around campus and in the Victoria community. From pep rallies, campus celebrations and tailgates – his spotted fur, signature wide grin and whiskers are hard to miss.

Yes, we’re talking about jaX, the beloved jaguar mascot at the University of Houston-Victoria. JaX isn’t just a fixture at UHV; he’s a symbol of pride, joy and the personification of school spirit. To most, he’s the face of UHV – a lovable jaguar whose high-fives and antics bring smiles wherever he goes.

But for those who have worn the suit, jaX is more than just a mascot. He’s a tradition, a legacy and a chance to embody the heart of the university in their own multifaceted way. Now, two of those students, Annette Clark and Peter Ifeduba, are saying goodbye to that legacy after graduating on May 17.

Each semester, UHV hosts mascot tryouts at the beginning of the semester, said Freddie Cantu, UHV director of Student Involvement. Typically, the fall semester draws in a larger crowd when new freshmen arrive, Cantu said.

The program aims to maintain a team of five to six mascot crew members to ensure flexible coverage for both on-campus and community events. There is no time limit a mascot crew member can serve. Some students don’t get involved until later in their college career, and there are some students who start as a freshmen and continue all the way up to their commencement, Cantu said.

Freddie Cantu

“Having a mascot presence is a huge push for school spirit,” Cantu said. “Every time students see jaX, they are reminded of their school spirt at events, athletic games and also in community events. Younger kids, they love seeing jaX, and hopefully one day will want to be part of the Jaguar family as well.”

For Annette Clark, what began as a simple volunteer opportunity had blossomed into a year-long adventure of spontaneity, joy and unexpected connections. Clark, who graduated this May with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design, said when the jaX suit was donned on her, she became more than just a college student, but an art form. Her first time in a bulky jaX suit was anything but glamorous, she said.

“It was a little uncomfortable,” she said, describing the challenge of adjusting to the suit, managing her breathing and trying to navigate the world from inside a mascot head. “I wasn’t used to having such a heavy fit on, from the pants, the top and the head. But as time went on, I adjusted.”

Over time, Clark realized something magical happens whenever she puts on the suit to become jaX – to truly become jaX. In that moment, Clark said she almost had to suspend her own reality in order to transform into a spontaneous performer who turned even the most formal events into a playful experience.

One memorable moment stands out – an event with children where Clark said she noticed a few shy children. The children, apprehensive at first when seeing a looming mascot, eventually came over and warmed up to the mascot, inspired by their siblings’ hugs and high-fives with jaX.

“What makes me stand out is I’m more on the spontaneous side of jaX. There’s Hyper jaX, Cool jaX, there’s so many different types of jaX,” Clark said. “My personality with him is more spontaneous, it keeps the people guessing.”

Looking back over her journey, the UHV alumna said she wouldn’t trade her experience for anything. Getting the opportunity to step into the role of jaX was more than just a chance to make people laugh. It also gave her a chance to set aside personal worries and create moments of pure joy not only for those around her, but also for herself.

“Playing jaX, it’s opening up a side of me that I don’t usually allow myself to show,” Clark said. “No matter how I’m feeling, no matter how my day went, I have to put everything aside because when I’m jaX, jaX comes first.”

JaX isn’t confined to a single personality or style, Cantu said. Students who take on the role of jaX are encouraged to collaborate and create a synchronized, unique mascot experience. The suit itself is versatile, featuring multiple outfits for different occasions and holidays, from casual jerseys to a formal suit for banquets and even a special commencement robe for graduation, he said.

Overall, the mission of the mascot remains consistent: be positive and friendly, spread joy through interactions and pictures, and give off an infectious enthusiasm that represents the UHV community, Cantu said.

When Peter Ifeduba of Houston first put on the jaX suit, he was far from the outgoing performer he would grow into. A computer science major, Ifeduba graduated with his degree this May. Initially, Ifeduba was a self-described introvert, but everything changed when a friend suggested he try out for the mascot role.

“When you put on the suit and try looking forward, you’re only looking at the back of jaX’s face,” Ifeduba said. “It’s a bit disorienting at first, it feels like it’s not even your body.”

Through mascot training with his peers, over time Ifeduba said he learned to become more than just a person in a suit, he became jaX. The suit became a tool, allowing him to break out of his shell and interact with people in ways he never thought possible, he said.

Over time, Ifeduba said he started to develop a nuanced approach to his mascot performance, realizing that jaX needed to be outgoing, while still maintaining a unique personality.

 “There’s a whole methodology that you’ve got to execute, find the fine details and build a repertoire of moves,” Ifeduba said. “Once you nail down his base personality, you have all the room in the world to build upon that.”