PHOTO GALLERY OF DEBUT

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois University unveiled a new mascot uniform on Saturday night as the Panthers hosted Indiana State in football. The new mascot also appeared with a new name as it was officially named Billy the Panther.

The new mascot which was purchased for around $5,000 will replace the former mascot uniform which was named Prowler. The name Billy was also chosen because it was popular among many EIU Alumni. While never an official name of a former EIU mascot, the mascot in the late 1980's was known as Billy by fans and stuck around for many years.

"The costume was old, and we needed to revitalize it," EIU athletic director Barbara Burke said. "It was an opportunity to go back to tradition in a new character."

Billy will appear at most EIU sporting events this season and currently dons a football jersey No. 90 for the fall. He will wear a basketball jersey and shorts during the winter sports season. Plans are currently in the works to create a female mascot partner for Billy similar to what some other Universities across the country have done.