The Utsa mascot is a representative figure that symbolizes the spirit and identity of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The mascot is an important part of the university's sports programs and events, acting as a visual representation and rallying point for students, alumni, and fans. The current Utsa mascot is a roadrunner named Rowdy. The roadrunner was chosen as the mascot because it is fast, agile, and represents the unique wildlife found in the San Antonio area. Rowdy's appearance is characterized by his large yellow beak, big eyes, and oversized sneakers. He is often seen wearing the UTSA colors of orange and blue.
Utsa mascot
UTSA Fight Song
Go, Roadrunners, Go!
On to vict’ry with all your might.
Fight, Roadrunners, Fight!
For the Blue and the Orange and the White.
We fight for U-T-S-A
Alma Mater proud and strong.
Win, Roadrunners, Win!
And unite in our battle song.
(Repeat for second verse)
Click here to listen!
UTSA Alma Mater
From our hills of oak and cedar
To the Alamo
Voices raised will echo
As, in song, our praises flow
Hail Alma Mater!
Through the years our loyalty will grow
The University of Texas
San Antonio
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The Roadrunner Hand Sign – Birds Up!
- Open your hand with your palm facing out (away from you)
- Curl your first three fingers toward the center of your palm, leaving your thumb and little finger upright.
- Your thumb is the roadrunner's head and your pinky represents the tail.
- Pro tip—it’s always “palms out” because other schools do it sideways or facing inward
Other Traditions
Homecoming began in 1985 to bring students and alumni together to celebrate their connections to UTSA. Best Fest, the selection of Mr. and Ms. UTSA, and, of course the Homecoming football game are highlights of a full week of activities.
The Fountain of Luck: It is said that touching the fountain under the Sombrilla while the water is running will bring good luck on your final exams. It is only good to touch it during finals and not any other time because then it will give you bad luck. A campaign and lead gift from alumni Nancy '93, '95, and Andrew Ozuna '91 recently helped repair the fountain to ensure the water would continue to run.
Roadrunner Statue: The iron version of Rowdy the Roadrunner mascot arrived on campus in September 2013, thanks to the generosity of many supporters. As part of the initial Bring Rowdy Home campaign (now closed), donors are forever linked to the statue by having their names listed online. Below, the artist RG Box celebrates Rowdy's installation.
Being a Roadrunner
Being a Roadrunner means becoming an actively engaged member of our academic community. UTSA is home to many student-initiated and inspired traditions. These campus traditions unite our community and showcase our spirit and pride in UTSA.
- Learn more about campus terminology with our Beak Speak guide.
- Learn more about some of the signature events that shape our campus life identity.
He is often seen wearing the UTSA colors of orange and blue. As the official ambassador of UTSA, Rowdy plays a vital role in creating school spirit and promoting a sense of community. You will find Rowdy at various university events, such as sporting games, pep rallies, and campus tours.
Roadrunner Creed
The University of Texas at San Antonio is a community of scholars where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration, and innovation are fostered.
As a Roadrunner, I will:
- Uphold the highest standards of academic and personal integrity by practicing and expecting fair and ethical conduct;
- Respect and accept individual differences, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person;
- Contribute to campus life and the larger community through my active engagement; and
- Support the fearless exploration of dreams and ideas in the advancement of ingenuity, creativity, and discovery.
Guided by these principles now and forever, I am a Roadrunner!
- Learn more about the history of the Roadrunner Creed
Rowdy's energetic and enthusiastic personality helps to create a positive and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved. The Utsa mascot is more than just a symbol. It represents the values and culture of UTSA, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among students and alumni. Rowdy embodies the university's core values of excellence, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration, and innovation. In addition to his appearances at university events, Rowdy is also involved in community outreach programs. He visits local schools, participates in charity events, and represents UTSA in the wider San Antonio community. The Utsa mascot is a cherished figure at the university, with students and alumni often identifying themselves as Rowdy's fans. Rowdy's presence helps to unite the campus community and create a sense of camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. Overall, the Utsa mascot plays a vital role in the identity and spirit of UTSA. Through his appearances, outreach, and embodiment of the university's values, Rowdy helps to create a sense of pride, unity, and enthusiasm that extends beyond the sports arena and into the wider UTSA community..
Reviews for "Beyond the Sidelines: How Rowdy Engages with UTSA Fans"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with the Utsa mascot. It looks so generic and uninteresting. It doesn't even embody the spirit of the university. I think they missed a great opportunity to come up with something unique and representative of the school. Overall, I found it to be uninspiring and forgettable.
2. Jack - 2/5 - The Utsa mascot is just bland and unimaginative. It feels like they just threw together a generic bird costume and called it a day. There's nothing memorable or exciting about it. I wish they had put more effort into creating a mascot that truly reflects the university's personality and values. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed by their choice.
3. Emily - 3/5 - While I understand the intention behind the Utsa mascot, I personally found it to be a bit lackluster. It doesn't have that wow factor that I would expect from a university mascot. I think they could have taken a more creative and unique approach. It's not the worst mascot I've seen, but it definitely didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
4. Mark - 2/5 - The Utsa mascot is forgettable and doesn't really stand out. It looks like any other generic bird mascot you would see at a high school football game. I was hoping for something more original and representative of the university. It just didn't live up to my expectations and left me feeling somewhat disappointed. I think they missed an opportunity to create a mascot that could really engage and excite the crowd.
5. Jessica - 1/5 - The Utsa mascot is a complete letdown. It lacks personality and creativity. It feels like a rushed design that was slapped together without much thought. It's not a mascot that I would consider memorable or impactful. I expected more from Utsa and was truly disappointed with their choice.