The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Traditions: Bevo
Bevo, a Texas Longhorn, has been a fixture at UT games since 1966. The Longhorn mascot epitomizes the pride and tradition of Texas Football.
Read: The Truth about Bevo
He’s credited with a football triumph against Texas A&M. What else is needed to become the most revered live mascot in all of college sports?
For a century, Bevo has embodied Longhorn pride and Texas spirit to represent The University of Texas as its famed mascot. He’s been a noble fixture at Texas football games since Nov. 30, 1916 – a Thanksgiving Day 21-7 victory against the Aggies in Austin.
During the final two days of November 1916, the Forty Acres hosted thousands of current students and alumni for a festive homecoming celebration, which culminated with the first football game featuring the rival Aggies in Austin in seven years and launched a proud, new Longhorn tradition.
A record 15,000 fans packed the wooden bleachers of Clark Field, The University’s first athletic field near 24th Street and Speedway, and the Longhorns’ defense held tough against the favored Aggies for a 7-7 tie at halftime.
During an extended halftime, Bevo made his first public appearance. From the football field, 1892 alumnus Tom Buffington addressed the student section: "I have been requested to present to the University of Texas a mascot or protecting spirit that now and in future years will bring good luck to the institution and its teaching. Behold him! The Longhorn of Texas, emblematic as he stands of the fighting spirit of progress … As the great longhorn was free to roam the wilderness of Texas, so must the University be free to roam the world of thought, unhampered and unafraid."
The Longhorns returned two punts for touchdowns in the second half and won 21-7, launching the legacy of Bevo.
Fifteen longhorns have honorably assumed Bevo status, and Bevo XV is set to make his public debut in September 2016 when the Longhorns host Notre Dame at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Bevo XV is noted for his color, gentle disposition and championship pedigree. Bevo XV succeeds Bevo XIV, who passed away in October 2015. Bevo XIV began his tenure at the age of two in 2004.
The Silver Spurs, an honorary UT student service organization founded in 1937, is responsible for the management, care and transportation of Bevo. Through the Spurs’ leadership, Bevo has become the most charitable mascot in the country.
Through public appearances and strategic marketing partnerships, Bevo provides funds for the Neighborhood Longhorns Program and UT scholarships, covers expenses associated with care and management of Bevo and other UT philanthropic endeavors.
"Over his last two years, Bevo XIV provided more than $300,000 to Neighborhood Longhorns," said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association. "We look forward to Bevo XV continuing that legacy of giving back."
