Louisiana Tech's live mascot retires - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

Tech XXI has retired from active service after nearly 3 years as Louisiana Tech University's live mascot.

The English bulldog retired from sideline duties and public appearances, effective October 1. 

Tech XXI’s retirement follows Louisiana Tech’s length-of-service protocol for the live bulldog mascot, developed before Tech XXI’s selection in 2013. It also comes at the recommendation of veterinarians and guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Tech XXI represents the pride, passion and loyalty of the Louisiana Tech family,” said Mackenzie Potts, president of Louisiana Tech’s Student Government Association.  “He has been a beloved and iconic figure during his time as mascot, and has served our university well.  We will miss seeing him around campus and at sporting events, but his legacy will not be forgotten here.”

Ownership and care of Tech XXI will be transferred to a veterinary family located in central Louisiana, where he will live out his retirement as a family pet.  

The decision to and process for replacing Tech XXI as a university mascot will be discussed by Louisiana Tech officials to ensure complete compliance with USDA regulations for service animals.

Although no replacement timetable has been announced, university administrators and student representatives say they will begin formal discussions by the end of the fall quarter.

Louisiana Tech’s pre-veterinary students often evaluated and cared for Tech XXI.

Tech XXI was a gift to the university from the Louisiana Tech University Foundation in 2013. 

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