Hook 'em (mascot)
| Hook'Em | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Hook'Em is the costumed mascot of The University of Texas at Austin's athletics teams. 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.
As the 1996 football season came to a close, Bevo was tired. The largest live mascot in the country, Bevo was busy supporting the Texas Longhorns at football games and many other events on the Forty Acres. He was looking for help, and luckily was able to find a perfect sidekick.
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, and Hook 'Em brought good luck to the team all year. The season ended in Texas winning the NIT championship.
Hook'Em has been an important part of game day ever since. Hook'Em attends more than 1,001 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 and basketball uniforms.
In 2016 Hook'Em placed 4th in his first UCA Mascot National Championship.
Hook'Em has been invited to compete in Steamboat Mascot Stampede every year since 2015. 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. Hook'Em learned how to skii and snowboard while competing.
Hook'Em became a viral hit in 2016 after a video of him performing 'Juju On That Beat' was posted on twitter by a UT Austin student. Since then he has also done the 'You Name It' challenge, and is now known for his dance skills.
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