U.T. Spirit

UT Austin was established in 1883, however it was not until 1916 did Stephen Pinckney "collected $1.00 each from 124 alumni and purchased a Longhorn steer"(pg.157) that would become UT's live mascot.


I find it strange how U.T. Austin's original mascot was a pit bulldog named "Pig" somehow evolved into this Mighty Longhorn. Nevertheless, Bevo the Longhorn is believed to have some sort of majestic power to control the hearts and minds of opposing players and will the Horns to victory. He is the good luck charm as well as the "protective spirit" of the university. I am one small part of this behemoth identity, but no matter where I go this identity I will take with me.

This Summer my family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park, and on one of the hiking trails I encountered UT Austin Alumni wearing their burnt orange baseball caps with pride. Although they were strangers, seeing that familiar longhorn icon made them automatically family. It was really wonderful to walk by and give them a Hook'em, knowing that they would understand it.

Reading about all the previous Bevos is really mind-boggling knowing that the legend and of Bevo still lives on, and that there have been so many other Longhorns that were in the same position as I am now, Freshman. All who have graduated and moved on with there lives, but burnt orange in their blood remains. Afterall, "a thing of beauty will never pass into nothingness" (pg. 167) and I believe that getting an education at such a great and close-knit community is a beautiful thing.

Cited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bevo_(mascot)