WHAT'S A GAUCHO?

A gaucho is commonly defined as a resident of the pampas, the fertile South American lowlands. Gauchos are found primarily in parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Southern Chile, and Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil.

The traditional gaucho is loosely equivalent to the North American "cowboy".

The gaucho is known to be a liberty-lover who combines the qualities of both Mexican and Indian heritages. They are often described as strong, honest, proud, silent types. However, the gaucho is also a colorful character, known for occasional rebel-rousing, but always respected. Gauchos were, and still are, master horseriders. They are also adept at the use of boleadoras (also known as bolas) - three wooden balls or leather pouches full of stones tied together with braided leather straps. Boleadoras are thrown in order to capture running cattle or game.

UCSB adopted the Gauchos nickname in 1936, replacing its original nickname, the Roadrunners.

At UCSB, the gaucho is being defined by the actions and successes of our student-athletes.

• To watch a National Geographic Channel video about gauchos, click here.