Legend

The Gorlok is Webster University's mascot. It is a mythical creature designed by Webster students and staff through a contest. It is reported to have the paws of a cheetah, horns of a buffalo, and face of a Saint Bernard.  The Gorlok "embodies the highest standards of speed, agility, and stamina in an atmosphere of fairness and good conduct." (Tom Hart, Director of Athletics)

Name

The name was derived from the combination of the two streets that intersect in the heart of Old Webster, Gore and Lockwood Avenues. The name was chosen in June of 1984 by a campus committee that considered many suggestions before settling on the nickname.

Contest

A contest ran in the October 4, 1984 issue of the Webster University student newspaper, The Journal. The contest required applicants to submit a sketch as well as a description of what a Gorlok looked like.  The winning entry included a description of the Gorlok as well as a blue and yellow creature holding a hand-held pump sprayer.

Changes

The name and legend remain, but the Gorlok has changed significantly.  A life-size Gorlok was completed and debuted in 1988 at a men's basketball game between Webster and St. Louis Christian College. Covered in blue fur, it was designed by Jana Park-Roges, a costume designer for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Teri McConnel, creator of Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals mascot.

The Gorlok changed to a golden fur-covered creature with a blue Webster sweatshirt.  The look of the Gorlok changed again in 2007 for Webster University's Athletic Department.