SAN ANTONIO – Highlands High School has stood on the Southeast Side of San Antonio since 1958.
In our first Mascot Monday segment, we take a look at the student behind the mask and the history of Hootie the Owl.
Senior Jesse Hoag has been Hootie for three years.
“I was a sophomore and they were having mascot tryouts. They gave it to me right away, so it’s been with me for three years. It’s my thing. It’s me,” said Hoag.
“He loves Highlands. He’s the perfect embodiment of a mascot because that’s what you want, somebody that’s going to bring the energy,” said Jenna Zamora-Domino, Highland HS dance team and spirit director. “The little kids love to see him, and he loves to just stop and take pictures.”
The school sits atop a hill and in 1958, Highlands adopted a Scottish theme and the owl was picked a the mascot.
Owls were common birds in Scotland so the school decided to use the strong hunting night bird as the mascot and the “Mighty Fighting Owls” were born.
“It’s amazing to be honest. You have all these people cheering and standing beside you,” said Hoag.