Traditions
Considering that Peruna has been around the Hilltop since 1932, quite a few traditions have been started. Hopefully this page can enlighten you to some of them.
Running the Field
Peruna VIII, Photographer unknown
Peruna runs across the field after each touchdown SMU scores. Usually this is only possible at home games and wasn't always allowed by our conference! Thankfully, Conference USA lets him fulfill his age old obligation at the football games.
Depending on the bowl game attended, Peruna may or may not be able to run. He was allowed to at the Hawaii Bowl (as she ought to after such a long trip for a little pony!) but not at the Armed Forces Bowl 2010, which was held in our very own Ford Stadium due to construction on TCU's stadium. This made Peruna quite angry; he knows when his team scores and knows when he's supposed to run! When Peruna run's across the field with his Handlers, people often ask "Who's running who?"
Depending on the bowl game attended, Peruna may or may not be able to run. He was allowed to at the Hawaii Bowl (as she ought to after such a long trip for a little pony!) but not at the Armed Forces Bowl 2010, which was held in our very own Ford Stadium due to construction on TCU's stadium. This made Peruna quite angry; he knows when his team scores and knows when he's supposed to run! When Peruna run's across the field with his Handlers, people often ask "Who's running who?"
Boulevarding
Peruna VIII boulevarding,
Photograph taken by site owner
Starting a few years ago, SMU students, alumni, and fans all come together to 'boulevard" rather than tailgate before a home football game. The Boulevard is Peruna's "home turf" and he walks up and down it before the game to visit his fans and get them pumped for the game. Peruna can be quite a ham, so this is one of his favorite events. He takes photos, eats grass, and of course stamps his feet when we wants a treat. He's been known to smack Handlers' feet if they won't let him eat grass all day!
Rotunda Passage and Convocation
Convocation 2010, Photograph taken by SMU
The day before classes start each fall semester, all incoming freshmen line up for the Rotunda Passage and Convocation. Before they begin their studies, students enter campus through Dallas Hall in parallel to graduation where they leave through Dallas Hall. Peruna leads the parade of soon-to-be students from Dallas Hall (be careful not to step on the seal!) to McFarlin auditorium and then watches over them as they enter McFarlin for the Convocation ceremony.
Mane Event / Peruna's Birthday Party
Mane Event 2010 Poster
Created by SMU Student Foundation
"Mane Event," originally known as "Peruna's Birthday Party" is an end of the year celebration for SMU students to enjoy each other's company before finals week arrives in the Spring. Happy Birthday is sung, food is enjoyed, and good times are had by all to help SMU's mascot celebrate another year.
More to come.