The Texas basketball mascot is a prominent feature at the University of Texas at Austin basketball games. The official mascot, named Hook 'em, is an anthropomorphic Texas longhorn steer with burnt orange and white coloring. Hook 'em is known for his energetic and spirited presence, entertaining the crowd throughout the games. The origins of the Texas basketball mascot date back to the early 1900s when the university adopted the longhorn as its official symbol. The idea of having a live longhorn as a mascot emerged in the 1910s, but it was not practical or safe to have a live animal present at all games. Therefore, Hook 'em was introduced as a costumed mascot to represent the spirit and tradition of the university.
Orange and white were first used as UT colors in 1885, when two students on their way to a baseball game stopped at a general store to get ribbons for the crowd. The most plentiful colors in stock were orange and white. After experimenting with gold and white and even orange and maroon, UT officially adopted orange and white as its colors in 1900. Over the years, the shade vacillated between bright orange and burnt orange. Coach Darrell Royal revived burnt orange as the preferred shade for good in the early 1960s, abandoning bright orange for a hue that more closely matched that of a football.
Whatever the case, our many traditions help to strengthen our community and bind us together as Longhorns proud, ambitious and determined to change the world. UT s school song, The Eyes of Texas, was written and performed in 1903 by students, poking fun at a favorite saying of then-President William Prather.
Therefore, Hook 'em was introduced as a costumed mascot to represent the spirit and tradition of the university. Hook 'em is often seen at the center of attention during basketball games, cheering on the Texas Longhorns and engaging with the crowd. The mascot's distinctive burnt orange and white outfit, complete with a longhorn head and horns, represents the university's colors and reflects the pride and loyalty of its fans.
Texas A&M-CC mascot getting a facelift
The mascot at Texas A&M-Corpus Cristi -- Izzy the Islander -- was once selected by Life Magazine as one of the nation's creepiest college mascots because of "the anklet, the skirt, and the sinister totemic head."
School officials responded this week by announcing that they want a humanized Izzy to lose the creepy tiki mask and resemble "a South Texas Surfer," with tryouts being conducted in time for the new mascot to debut at the Nov. 15 men's basketball game against Texas A&M.
The mascots will be "both male and female, in a costume that features board shorts, a rash-guard shirt, flip-flops, maybe even sunglasses," a university spokesman told the Corpus Cristi Caller-Times, and it appears that Cassandra Rodriguez -- a three-year veteran of playing Izzy the Islander -- is not necessarily in favor of the change.
The 20-year-old junior said her head barely fills a quarter of Izzy's tiki mask-style head and the suit can be heavy, but people love him, including other college mascots she met at a recent cheer camp.
"He's not just another bear or wildcat," Rodriguez said. "He's a unique character that people notice."
Future mascots will have a harder time being outgoing if there isn't a mask to wear, she said.
"There is that comfort zone when you are inside a suit," Rodriguez said. "And the kids won't appreciate someone who isn't in a big fluffy costume."
After a 17-15 season the Islanders were able to schedule home games against Texas A&M and Houston while also lining up tough non-conference games at Oklahoma State, Kansas, Marquette, Memphis and Texas Tech.
It's Aggies coach Mark Turgeon and his players who'll be first to face the surfer mascot in a hostile environment, but chances are a dude and dudette in board shorts and flip-flops won't be creepy enough to distract.
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Interest-Based Ads
- EU Privacy Rights
- Cookie Policy
- Manage Privacy Preferences
The mascot at Texas A&M-Corpus Cristi -- Izzy the Islander -- was once selected by Life Magazine as one of the nation's creepiest college mascots because of "the anklet, the skirt, and the sinister totemic head."
In addition to his presence at games, Hook 'em also makes appearances at various university events and community gatherings. The mascot is a beloved symbol of the university and serves as an ambassador, spreading Longhorn spirit and pride throughout the community. The Texas basketball mascot, Hook 'em, plays a vital role in creating an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere at the University of Texas basketball games. Through his enthusiastic and entertaining presence, he helps enhance the overall experience for fans and contributes to the rich tradition and history of Texas Longhorn athletics..
Reviews for "Texas Basketball Mascots: Creating Brand Identity"
1. Jessica - 1 star
I absolutely hated the Texas basketball mascot. The costume looked cheap and tacky, and it seemed like a half-hearted attempt at creating a memorable character. The mascot's movements were awkward and clumsy, and it added nothing to the overall game experience. I was extremely disappointed and felt like it was a waste of time and money.
2. Ryan - 2 stars
The Texas basketball mascot was underwhelming, to say the least. It lacked creativity and originality, resembling generic mascots from other sports teams. The interactions with the crowd were minimal, and it failed to generate any excitement or enthusiasm. Overall, it was forgettable and did not contribute to the overall entertainment value of the game.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the Texas basketball mascot. It lacked personality and failed to engage with the audience. The costume looked outdated and unappealing, and the mascot's movements were slow and awkward. It felt like a missed opportunity to create an entertaining and crowd-pleasing character. I hope they invest in a better mascot in the future.
4. David - 1 star
The Texas basketball mascot was a total disappointment. It looked nothing like a basketball mascot should, and its design was confusing and uninteresting. The interactions with the crowd were minimal, and it did not bring any excitement or energy to the game. I felt let down and hoped for a much more engaging and entertaining mascot experience.
5. Emily - 2 stars
The Texas basketball mascot left much to be desired. It lacked charisma and failed to make a lasting impression. The costume design was uninspiring, and the mascot's movements seemed robotic and forced. It did not add any value to the game and I found myself quickly losing interest. I expected more from a professional basketball team.