On Monday, Hunter Morton and Pete Littlefield were strangers. By Sunday, they were best friends.

It was late April, Morton and Littlefield were juniors at the time in the Ferguson College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University. And although they did not know each other, they shared a common goal: Both hoped to serve as the mascot for their university come May.

Earlier that week, they met at a chance run-in while getting resume help at Agricultural Hall. Three days later, they’d see each other again at Pistol Pete tryouts. Staying true to tradition, as midnight approaches on the all-day event, the selected students are ceremonially presented with a set of spurs.

Littlefield received his first. Then came Morton. Following the tryout, the newest Pistol Pete duo exchanged phone numbers. “Did we just become best friends?” Morton asked Littlefield.

As the two embark on their first semester as Pistol Pete, splitting duties donning the famous headgear, they’ve helped the Ferguson College reach uncharted territory. For the first time ever, three Ferguson College students will serve as the university’s mascots. Paired with Olivia Klug — this year’s Spirit Rider, who rides Bullet during football games — a graduate student studying international agriculture, the trio will make their debut together when OSU hosts Oregon in its home opener at Boone Pickens Stadium this Saturday.

“It’s special to see both Pistol Pete and the Spirit Rider come from the Ferguson College of Agriculture,” said Dr. Cynda Clary, Ferguson College associate dean of academic programs. “These students represent OSU’s traditions on one of the biggest stages each gameday, and it speaks to the leadership, dedication and Cowboy spirit our students bring to the university.”

Work-life balance

Klug’s favorite part of getting to be the Spirit Rider is interacting with the fans. Getting to experience what Bullet means to OSU fans is a joy.

But it takes hard work. At a minimum, Klug spends four days in Tulsa working with Bullet each week. Fridays before a game, she takes the horse for a ride, bathes him and loads the trailer. Saturday mornings, they go for another ride before heading to Stillwater.

All in all, Klug estimates the role takes upwards of 20 hours a week. How is she able to balance that, school and work?

“I’m able to do all of these things thanks to the support systems at Oklahoma State,” Klug said.

Since mid-May, Morton and Littlefield have been shouldering a similar load. Morton estimates he’s made more than 100 appearances as Pistol Pete. A lot of those have been weddings. Littlefield chimed in, saying he’s already been across the state.

“We’ve gotten really good at using a calendar,” Littlefield said.

All three are embracing the responsibilities of representing the university while being full-time students. Littlefield is majoring in agricultural education. Morton is a dual major, pursuing degrees in animal science and agribusiness. Klug already has a bachelor’s degree in animal science and is currently working on her master’s.

Balancing it all would be nearly impossible, they all agree, without support and encouragement.

“My professors, my advisors, everyone I’ve talked to throughout the process of being here has been phenomenal,” Littlefield said. “It’s one big family. The friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Every step of the way, Ferguson has had an impact.”

Morton added, “The Ferguson College truly wants me to succeed. Yes, it’s going to get busy, but they do a great job making sure you’re in the places you’re supposed to be. Having people like that in leadership roles in your college is huge.”

Entertaining the masses

Klug is no stranger to the Spirit Rider job. In 2025, she served on the grounds crew, assisting last year’s Spirit Rider, Avery Langley. Through that experience, Klug grew close to Langley and Bullet on gamedays.

While the Petes were presented with spurs, Klug had her own special moment. After trying out for the rider position, Langley came to Klug’s house one day last spring. She presented Klug with chaps.

“These are yours this year,” Langley said.

It’s one of Klug’s defining moments at OSU.

“It’s all about being able to showcase the horse,” Klug said.

She spent five years on the OSU equestrian team and started showing horses when she was 8.

“Horses are truly athletes, and they do incredible things for us. They also love to perform,” Klug said.

That passion for performance isn’t lost on Littlefield or Morton. Morton was a four-sport athlete in high school. He was also a member of FFA, and one of his favorite aspects was giving speeches.

Littlefield is the only one who can claim previous mascot experience on their resume — albeit brief. He spent two football games as the Cassville High (Missouri) Wildcat before becoming the team’s kicker.

“We have a running joke, if you can’t be on the field, be the mascot,” Littlefield said.

Agricultural icons

All three took different paths to end up at OSU.

Klug grew up on a farm in Nebraska. She was an “outdoors” kid, helping with early morning feedings of the family’s cattle. She toured several different schools before selecting the Ferguson College.

Morton was born in Georgia, but his father graduated from OSU. The family eventually moved back to Oklahoma, solidifying the decision.

“There was no other option. I was always going to be a Cowboy,” he said.

Morton hopes to return home after school and assist in his family’s cattle, pecan and hay operation.

Littlefield, a rural southwest Missouri native, is the son of agricultural education teachers. He grew up showing livestock and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College before transferring to OSU after his sophomore year. Like his parents, he hopes to become an ag teacher.

All three are now connected. Three different agricultural backgrounds. Three different paths to OSU. Three different plans for post-graduation. But for now, they’re just three Ferguson College students representing the university at the highest level.

“It’s all about being a part of something bigger than myself,” Klug said. “I think it’s truly a testament of how amazing the Ferguson College of Agriculture is and how much it supports its students.”

Late that Sunday spring evening, when Morton was named Pistol Pete, he stayed up late to celebrate. He exchanged numbers with Littlefield. They’d just become best friends.

Morton didn’t forget he was still a Ferguson College student. He made sure he was on campus the next day at 8 a.m. for work.

“Ferguson has given me a home away from home,” Morton said. “It changed my life. The three of us getting to not only represent OSU, but also our college, is something we’re all very proud of.”