Webster University

What is a gorlok?

Horns of a Fierce Buffalo

 

Face of a Dependable Saint Bernard

 

Paws of a Speeding Cheetah

The Gorlok is Webster University’s school mascot. It is a mythical creature that was designed by Webster staff and students. It is reported to have paws of a speeding cheetah, horns of a fierce buffalo, and the face of a dependable Saint Bernard. The myth of the Gorlok “embodies the highest standards of speed, agility, and stamina in an atmosphere of fairness and good conduct.” (Tom Hart, Director of Athletics)

Once a name was chosen, a contest was run in the October 4, 1984 issue of The Journal. At the time the contest was run, only the name Gorlok had been decided. The contest required the applicants to submit a sketch as well as a description of what they thought a Gorlok would look like.

Not at all. The name and the legend remain, but the face and body have changed considerably. The first life-size reproduction of the Gorlok was not complete until 1988, and made its debut at the February 9, 1988 men’s basketball game.

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

More about the Gorlok...

Is today’s Gorlok the same as the original?

How was the legend born?

Where did the Gorlok name come from?