Looks like there are some changes on the sidelines at some local schools. George Washington had the first appearance of their new Little George mascot during Saturday’s exhibition basketball game, and George Mason will be getting a mascot to replace Gunston, the furry green thing, on Monday.

Gunston, named for George Mason’s house, rose to prominence after the Patriots’ improbable Final Four run in 2006. The guy even had his own Myspace page and pretty funny YouTube videos. The plan had been to phase him out, but he was saved from the chopping block then, with a university spokesperson saying “he is very much here to stay.” Until now, that is.

Dan Steinberg at the Post’s Sports Bog reports that Gunston will be replaced on Monday by a mascot “closer to a person than to a muppet.” Steinberg goes through the history of the mascot situation, including a blue ribbon panel recommending he go away. Gunston will still appear at university events.