By ELIJAH BANALES
The Tower
MANTECA – With roots stretching back to the 1920s and a wardrobe of costumes dating to the '60s, Alby the Buffalo has served as a symbol of Manteca High.
A school mascot is a rare, fun, and exciting opportunity. It spreads smiles and brings joy to all, livening up school events, whether it’s a senior night, football game, a Buff TV video, and so much more.
Activity Director Stephanie Hjelmstad smiles at the camera with a buffalo hat on, showing pride of being a buffalo with green and white, on Oct. 23, 2026 (Elijah Banales/The Tower).
Alby has been a core identity marker for generations of students, with custom costumes dating all the way back to the mid-20th century. He has made appearances at school events, showing festivity with his wardrobe spotted in a jersey for sport events or on occasion, bows for whenever.
“For the entirety of the school, we've been the buffalo mascot, and Alby has been a beloved part of it for 75 plus years, so for a very long time we have had Alby as our mascot,” said Hjelmstad.
Even with the amount of time, the presence of the mascot brings instant joy and unity across campus, acting as a fun visual during major school functions and athletic matches, like Friday Night Lights.
“I think it just kind of helps remind us we are the buffaloes. It's fun, it's different, and it's exciting to have him come out and enjoy our performances,” said cheer advisor Jessica Teicheira.
With Alby being a part of the school, they can never miss a chance being seen either for a football game, being on BuffTV media, part of music videos and so much more for any school event.
“He comes out to all the football games,” Teicheira said. “We also have him attend some of the senior nights for other sports; he just did senior night for tennis. He’s also with BuffTV. He has done music videos and those kinds of things, so anytime there is a school event we will have Alby,” said Teicheira.
Alby the Buffalo is as well undergoing a modern change as administrators actively work to fund a brand-new suit for the beloved campus icon to soon have a greater look for future students to come and see.
“We are in process, we have received quotes, and are working on designing it right now, and the athletics booster program is going to help us out by giving us some of the money towards the new mascot,” said Activities Director Stephaine Hjelmstad.