Meaning Behind Hofstra University Statue

An eye-catching statue outside the James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University shows a mythic figure called Hippomenes balancing on his right foot reaching up into the sky.

Hundreds of students pass by it every day but few know what it depicts.

A student Erika Feltman said, "Hofstra tries to make the campus look nice by putting up sculptures." While another, David Muscat said, "because Hofstra paid to have it here."

However, the story behind the statue of Hippomenes is what made it attractive to Hofstra.

Hippomens is a mythic figure from the Roman poet, Ovid.

The legend tells that Hippomenes fell in love with the famous athlete and hunter Atalanta who challenged him to a race.

If he won the race she would marry him, but if not, she would kill him.

Hippomenes turned to Aphrodite and she gave him three golden apples to drop during the race and distract Atalanta. The apples worked and Hippomenes won the race.

However, Hippomenes did not thank Aphrodite and she turned him and Atalanta into a lion and lioness as they made love in a sacred temple.

The lion and lioness represent the Hofstra mascot.

This bronze sculpture was created by the artist, Greg Wyatt, in 1999, which is one of the two sculptures he has at Hofstra.

Wyatt created another "Victory Eagle" which stands in the Veterans' Memorial Plaza.