Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P.C. Senior Shareholder Richard Glassman and Family recently donated a new Pouncer mascot costume to the University of Memphis. The suit is equipped with state-of-the-art temperate controls that will better ensure the well-being of student Tiger athletes. The Glassmans presented the new Pouncer costume during the Tigers game against Navy on Saturday, October 14, 2017.

Photo: Trey Clark

“We have been Tiger fans since my days on the main campus starting in 1964 and our girls grew up in their Tiger cheer costumes with their poms in hand,” says Richard Glassman, Senior Shareholder at Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P.C. “When I heard that Pouncer was wearing a ‘suit’ that was 15+ years old, I immediately wanted to help our Spirit Squad and student athlete Mascot. Athletic Department staff, Eric Sabin and Adam Miller, were great in getting all this done and the new Pouncer suit looks fabulous.”

Since 1961, students have been “earning their stripes” to portray the animated tiger and energizing fans from the sidelines encased in a padded, fur-covered suit. Inside temperatures in the former suit could climb to more than 30 degrees above outside temperatures. With the hot Memphis weather, this meant that the temperature inside the suit could reach up to 120 degrees during a game, providing a near sauna-like experience for the student.

The new suit features an ice vest and separate cold collar, designed to manage core body temperature, as well as exhaust fans for the headpiece. Also provided are replacement ice panels and an insulated bag to hold the vest, collar and extra sets of panels. The suit will help ensure the long-term safety and well-being of student mascots for many years to come.

“I am so appreciative of the new suit, as it provides a level of comfort and safety that I have never experienced,” says the current Pouncer. “I can’t thank the Glassmans enough. Go Tigers!”

Pictured in the photos are Tom Bowen, Director of Athletics, U of M; Pouncer; Richard Glassman; Susan Lawless-Glassman; Lauran Glassman Stimac; Jack Stimac; Samantha Glassman Carder, Charles Carder, and Annabeth Lawless