So You Wanna Know About the Mascot of UT Austin? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
The University of Texas at Austin. Home of burnt orange sunsets, giant dinosaur statues, and...a giant, occasionally grumpy steer? Yep, that's right. The mascot of UT Austin is a Texas Longhorn steer, a majestic (and surprisingly athletic) beast named Bevo. But there's more to this story than meets the eye (or horns, in this case).
From Pig to Bevo: A Tale of Two Mascots
Believe it or not, Bevo wasn't always the king of the corral. UT's first mascot was actually a scrappy terrier named Pig Bellmont. Now, Pig wasn't exactly intimidating on the football field, but he sure knew how to charm the students with his morning rounds and library visits. But fear not, Pig lovers, his legacy lives on in the hearts (and history books) of UT.
Bevo Through the Ages: A Bovine Dynasty
Fast forward to 1916, and things get a little...steer-ious. A group of alumni decided a longhorn would better represent the Texas spirit. Enter Bevo I, a magnificent creature who set the precedent for a long line of Bevos (currently on Bevo XV). These Bevos have been the stars of game days, chilling with cheerleaders, and even making the occasional TV appearance.
Fun Fact: Bevo XV isn't the only one with a fancy pedigree. The Bevos are cared for by the Silver Spurs, a legendary UT student organization known for their horsemanship and lasso skills. Talk about a whole new meaning of "wrangling the team!"
Hook 'Em Horns! But How Did We Get There?
You might be wondering, "Why the longhorns? Why the horns shaped like a hook?" Well, those mighty horns are what inspired the iconic "Hook 'em Horns" hand gesture and battle cry. It's a symbol of Texas pride, unity, and maybe a subtle warning to rival teams: "We're coming for you, and we've got horns!"
So there you have it, folks! The lowdown on UT Austin's mascot, Bevo.
Now, before you head off to dream in burnt orange, here are some frequently asked questions (because apparently, everyone wants to know about Bevo):
How to Spot Bevo on Campus?
Bevo makes appearances at major sporting events, but his schedule is exclusive. You can check the UT Athletics website to see if he'll be moseying on by.
How to Become a Bevo Wrangler?
Those wrangling duties are reserved for the prestigious Silver Spurs. But hey, you can always join a fan club and cheer on Bevo from the sidelines!
How to Hook 'Em Properly?
It's all in the wrist! Make a fist with your thumb extended, then curve your index and pinky fingers out to mimic those impressive longhorn horns.
How to Say "Bevo" Like a True Texan?
It's a two-syllable word, with a soft "v" sound. Don't go all French on us and say "Beh-vo."
How to Resist the Urge to Cuddle Bevo?
We understand. Bevo is a magnificent creature. But for everyone's safety (including Bevo's), admiration from afar is best.
