Since 1920, Oklahoma State University athletic teams have been referred to as Cowboys. Their true-to-life symbol was a legendary lawman of the Old West, deputy U.S. marshal Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton who won his name in competition with the cavalry's best marksmen. Commanding officer, Colonel Copinger gave Frank a marksmanship badge and a new name. From that day forward, Frank would be known as Pistol Pete! In the early 1920's, OSU students felt that the current Tiger mascot was inappropriate for a western college. In 1923, the great "Pistol Pete" Eaton caught the eye of students while leading the Stillwater Armistice Parade. Thus the image of the fearless old-time marshal with 10-gallon hat and six guns came to represent Oklahoma State University. Today, his likeness is a visible reminder of the Old West to literally millions of people yearly as a symbol of colleges whose mascots pay homage to the cowboy.