There’s a new steer in town. And his reign is about to start.
Before the Texas football team kicks off against Notre Dame on Sunday, September 4, BEVO XV will make his official public debut. When BEVO XV begins his reign, he’ll also usher in the 100-year anniversary of the famous steer serving as UT Austin’s mascot.
“I’m looking forward to seeing BEVO XV in his place of honor on the field this coming season,” President Gregory L. Fenves said. “BEVO has embodied Longhorn pride and Texas spirit for 100 years.”
BEVO XV succeeds BEVO XIV, who passed away in October after being diagnosed with bovine leukemia. In May, the Silver Spurs — an honorary student service organization that oversees BEVO’s care — announced they had completed the search for BEVO XV.
To get ready for BEVO XV’s reign, here are 10 of our favorite facts and stories about the best mascot in all of sports:
1) BEVO has attended two presidential inaugurations. President George W. Bush hosted BEVO XIII at his first inauguration and BEVO XIV at his second one.
2) In 1968, BEVO VIII caused a delay in the game against Baylor when he lay in the end zone. That gave the Texas defense a chance to rest, leading to a Baylor punt and a UT win. The Baylor coach blamed BEVO for the loss.
3) BEVO is honored in the College Football Hall of Fame. An exhibit in the museum includes a full Silver Spurs uniform and a BEVO halter.
4) The first BEVO made his debut during the 1916 Thanksgiving Day football game against Texas A&M. This year marks 100 years of BEVO.
5) The first BEVO cost $124. Alumnus Stephen Pinckney bought the steer with funds he collected $1 at a time from alumni and friends.
6) BEVO is the most charitable mascot in the country. During his last two years, BEVO XIV and the Silver Spurs raised more than $300,000 for scholarships and tutoring programs at local elementary schools.
7) BEVO has some famous friends. BEVO has met presidents, hung out with Matthew McConaughey and rubbed elbows (horns?) with actress Kristen Bell, star of the Disney hit “Frozen.”
8) No matter what you’ve heard, BEVO’s name is not an alteration of the “13-0” score a group of unruly Aggies branded on him in 1917. One explanation: BEVO is a play on the word “Beeve,” which is not only the plural of “beef” but also has long been used as slang for a steer.
9) The first six BEVOS were known for their unbridled natures. BEVO II charged an SMU cheerleader. Bevo III escaped captivity and ran roughshod all over campus for two days. Bevo IV took his anger out on a parked car. Bevo V sent the Baylor band running, and Bevo VI did the same to Rice players, sending the rival Owls “flyin’ and scramblin’ like cold water on a hot griddle,” according to one account.
10) BEVO is a movie star. BEVO XIV gave a (Oscar-worthy) performance as BEVO IX in the hit movie “My All American,” which tells the story of how two legendary Longhorns — defensive back Freddie Steinmark and Coach Darrell K Royal — lead our 1969 football team to a national title.
Be sure to follow BEVO XV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I got my 2016 "uniform" today. Just 12 more days …. #BEVO100 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/EJlALocT1X
— BEVO XV (@TexasMascot) August 23, 2016
2 new air conditioning units for my trailer. Gonna travel in comfort! #BEVO100 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/udB9KCWENH
— BEVO XV (@TexasMascot) August 23, 2016
Time to meet the new guy.
Catch the story of BEVO XV Sunday 5 PM/CT on LHN. #HornsUp pic.twitter.com/DEn0HiaBLu— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) August 30, 2016
Help make me the most charitable mascot in college athletics by getting your BEVO 100 gear #BEVO100 #HookEm https://t.co/HrlckHNWTH
— BEVO XV (@TexasMascot) August 22, 2016
For a century, BEVO has embodied Longhorn pride and Texas spirit. #GoHornsGo @TexasMascot pic.twitter.com/8DXo6XQXwm
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) August 31, 2016
