The 2013 football season is celebrating a new era in Mean Green athletics as a member of Conference USA — a move that elevates the Mean Green by bringing UNT national exposure, higher-level competition and better recruiting opportunities. The new roster of schools offers new excitement and the chance to re-establish local rivalries as the Mean Green now competes with three other Texas universities and three in bordering states.

Come out and celebrate each home game with tailgating activities around campus. Arrive early for fan-friendly, family-oriented festivities, including the Mean Green March. And join Scrappy in the spotlight at Homecoming with this year's theme, "Mean Green on the Big Screen" Nov. 9 against UT-El Paso.

100 years of football

Mean Green football fans submitted more than 11,000 votes online and via paper ballot to pick the All-Century Football Team.

Leading was Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Joe Greene, chosen on 87 percent of the ballots. Not far behind was ground-breaking player Abner Haynes, who took two positions on the All-Century Team — running back and return specialist. Linebacker Byron Gross and defensive back Bill Brashier had the next highest totals, followed by defensive linemen Brandon Kennedy and Cedrick Hardman and receiver Ron Shanklin. Steve Ramsey garnered the most votes at quarterback.

The team was officially unveiled at the Green-White spring game in April. Visit North Texas All Century Team online for the full roster.

Academic honors

The NCAA's annual Academic Progress Report reinforces the Mean Green's continued commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Student-athletes in five sports posted perfect 1,000 single-year progress report scores (men's and women's golf, women's cross country, softball and tennis), while football, men's basketball and men's golf achieved their all-time high multi-year report mark.

The Academic Progress Report is the NCAA's measurement of academic success that aims to give a real-time snapshot of athlete retention and advancement over a four-year period. This year's report measures the 2008-09 through 2011-12 academic years.

New Scrappy

This fall Scrappy gets a new look — "Meaner and Greener." As UNT joins Conference USA, the time is right to give Scrappy that superhero quality on the outside that we all know he has on the inside.

This new addition to UNT's trademarks and licensing program will be reflected on the playing field with a new mascot costume. The previous mascot costume has been in use since 2004.

Fans can now order apparel that more closely resembles UNT's current diving eagle design. The more "aggressive" looking Scrappy also will have a friendly version for use in youth merchandise.

Watch for the new Scrappy apparel for adults and kids at Barnes & Noble at UNT, Mean Green Stadium Store, Voertman's Bookstore, Barefoot Athletics and Mean Green Sports online shop.