Coyote Sports Hall of Fame
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Dr. Mick Shaeffer of Ottumwa, Iowa, helped create the legacy of Charlie Coyote before there was a DakotaDome. Shaeffer established Charlie while performing at old Inman Field and the New Armory. Shaeffer, a USD student in the 1970s, helped design the costume and persona of “Charlie Coyote.” He once passed the hat among USD students to pay for the first mascot suit, which was constructed of papier-mache. Mick, who spent 5 1/2 years as “Charlie,” including two years while attending medical school, also funded his own way to USD games. At an NCAA D-II regional in 1973, “Charlie Coyote” was the only team mascot named to the all tourney team while endearing himself to a St. Louis, Mo., crowd. Shaeffer played the part of “Charlie” in more than 101 football or basketball games. One of his defining acts was the half-court shots, which he made three times, including his final shot at the New Armory. Beyond his performances at games, Shaeffer, who was a member of the student senate and rush chair for the Sigma Nu fraternity, made stops to visit children with disabilities at hospital and helped at several USD Banquet events? During the 1972-73 season, Shaeffer, a graduate of O’Gorman High (1969), was made an honorary letterman for his contribution to the USD athletic program. Shaeffer earned a B.A. degree in biology in 1973 and a M.D. in 1977 from USD.
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