Hook 'em (mascot)
Hook 'Em is the costumed mascot of The University of Texas at Austin's athletics teams.[1] Hook 'Em can be seen on the sidelines of Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium during football games, and also at the Frank Erwin Center during basketball games. He can also be requested to appear at an event through the Texas Athletics website[2]
Hook'Em | |
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Hook 'Em in front of the University of Texas Tower | |
University | The University of Texas at Austin |
Conference | Big 12 |
Description | Anthropomorphic Longhorn |
Origin of name | University of Texas at Austin Hook 'em Horns hand gesture |
First seen | 1977 |
Related mascot(s) | Bevo |
History
As the 1976 football season came to a close, it was decided by university officials that the school needed a costumed mascot as this was easier to transport to events than a live longhorn.
Hook 'Em made his first appearance on Nov. 29th, 1977 when the men's basketball team hosted their rival University of Oklahoma at the Frank Erwin Center. The Longhorns beat the Sooners, in that game and ended the season winning the NIT championship.
Hook 'Em has been an important part of game day ever since. Hook 'Em attends more than 1,000 University of Texas at Austin events at home and across the country each season. In 2014 the Hook 'Em costume was updated to include lighter horns, more defined muscles, and custom made football, basketball, and baseball uniforms.
Bevo is actually another one of the University's mascots
Notable Appearances
Hook 'Em attends nearly all Texas Athletics games in all sports. In 2015 he appeared at the Texas Men's Basketball in their opener against the University of Washington in Shanghai, China. In 2016, he attended the East Lake Cup in Atlanta in support of Texas Men's Golf.
Hook 'Em is also a friend to San Antonio Spurs mascot, the Coyote, and appeared alongside him during the Spurs' University of Texas Spirit Night.
Hook 'Em has also appeared at many non-school affiliated events. Hook 'Em attended the Austin City Limits music festival in 2014 to perform with musician Trombone Shorty, and in 2016 to perform with electronic music group Major Lazer. Hook 'Em also attended the 2015 Country Music Awards. He was featured in Brad Paisley's music video for Country Nation.
National Competitions
In 2016 Hook 'Em placed 4th in his first UCA Mascot National Championship, beating out his rival, Boomer, the mascot for the University of Oklahoma. Boomer placed 7th.[3]
Steamboat Mascot Competition
Hook 'Em has been invited to compete in Steamboat Mascot Stampede every year since 2015.[4] The competition is sponsored by former Phillie Phanatic David Raymond. Competing mascots come from various conferences around the nation, including the Big 12 Conference, Southeastern Conference, Big Ten Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and several other smaller schools.
References
- Texas Longhorns History
- "Texas Longhorns Athletics - Texas Spirit Program Appearance Requests". www.texassports.com. Retrieved 2017-03-29.
- "The Official Site - Varsity.com - We Are Cheerleading". www.varsity.com. Retrieved 2017-01-27.
- "Mascot Stampede". www.steamboat.com. Retrieved 2017-02-07.