Rexy

In April of 1964, Dr. (Doc) Samuel H. Knight revealed a project that he had spent over 4,000 hours creating in the midst of his retirement: a twenty-foot tall, forty-seven-foot long, copper statue of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Located in front of the UWyo's Geology Museum, the statue, or "Rexy", has since remained a staple of the university's campus. While an impressive sight on its own, over time, Rexy has formed an entirely unexpected significance.

A short metal fence surrounds Rexy's parameter. Beneath her feet is a bed of rocks. A wooden bench faces the entire display for the observer's convenience. The area is weathered but clean...with one exception. Visitors to the University will notice, on the concrete surrounding Rexy,  a wide smattering of pinecones. One look into her gaping mouth reveals even more more pinecones. The reason? According to a superstition of unknown origins, if a student can accurately throw a pinecone into the dinosaur's mouth, they will be able to pass their exams. 

The tradition has certainly seen its ups and downs, as is marked by the "Please do not throw rocks at the t-rex" sign attached to Rexy's fence. Today, however, the nearby pile of pinecones remains as ample as ever, and students can still be spotted by the statue before their exams.

Contributed by Lizzy Cozzens