Western sophomore Daisy Deely draws a mustache on Western sophomore Graham Schickler's finger. Photos by David Gonzales
Mustaches and mullets may make a comeback this year as Western sophomore Paden Newberry and friends introduce the Mustache, Mullet and Big Hair Club.
The club’s mission is to promote not only mullets but any unconventional hairdo, Newberry said—specifically long hair for men and short hair for women.
“Pretty much anyone who has hair can join—well, and people with no hair," Newberry said. "Anyone who appreciates mustaches, mullets and big hair can join.”
For people who cannot grow mustaches, Newberry said they can simply draw a mustache on their index finger and hold it under their nose. This gesture along with one hand placed firmly on the back of the neck make up the club salute.
“It’s fantastic. I love it,” Western sophomore Alex Fulton said. “Just wait till you see me with my fro.”
Western sophomore Michael Vincent sports a make-shift mustache. Photo by David Gonzales
Though not an official Associated Students club yet, the members are already meeting at 10 a.m. on Fridays in Red Square for hula-hooping. Future events will include treasure hunts in the Sehome Hill Arboretum and Lego-building sessions in Red Square.
“We do anything we did as kids to have fun. Like pretending we’re pirates,” Newberry said.
Mustaches and mullets, however, are not the first quirky club influences, Student Activities adviser Casey Hayden said.
Western has more than 200 AS clubs each year, including the Pokémon Club, the Western Mages Guild, the Juggling Club, Students of Optional Clothing and the Pog Club Revolution.
Hayden said he encourages students to create any type of club that will enrich student body life.
An AS Club Kickoff event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room. Hayden said anyone who is currently in a club, thinking of forming a club or generally interested in AS clubs is welcome.
Western's Mustache, Mullet and Big Hair Club gathers in Red Square on the fountain's edge to perform the club salute, in which members place one hand behind the head while the other hand fills in as a mustache. The club is currently waiting for approval to become an official AS club. Photo by David Gonzales
Initial funding for clubs can be as much as $50 and additional funding may be applied for.
Newberry said they plan to spend their $50 on fake mustaches and hula hoops for their upcoming meetings.
“We’ll be handing out fake mustaches and be putting henna mustaches on fingers,” Newberry said. “Or you can just write “mustache” on your finger.”
The motto of the Mustache, Mullet and Big Hair Club is borrowed from an excerpt from the sonnet by Emma Lazarus, “The New Colossus,” which is displayed at the foot of the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island.
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.”
“A lot of people from Ellis Island had mustaches,” club member Daisy Deely said.
Newberry said not only do all great men have mustaches but all great people have mustaches.
“Queen Elizabeth had a mustache,” club member Graham Schickler said. “Why do you think she was queen?”
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