March 6, 2006
Texas State's Boko is the featured mascot at varsity.com. Below is a copy of the Web site's feature on the Bobcats' mascot.
"Boko the Bobcat may only be a freshman, but since his arrival in August of 2005, he has transformed our Texas State Mascot into the sensation of the Southland Conference," expresses Bryan Miller, Director of Marketing and Promotions for Texas State University Athletics. "His success comes from his desire to become a professional mascot, and both his skills and antics have made him in high demand for appearances on campus and in the San Marcos community."
He started his spirit-raising journey as a high school sophomore, knowing just enough material to make it through a short pep rally. Now as a college freshman, he is the life of the Texas State athletic department. Meet Boko the Bobat, Featured Mascot!
His talents, which his fans ask for by name to see on several occasions, include dancing, riding a unicycle, tumbling, juggling, and walking on his hands. He can also dribble a ball with his feet, spin a ball on a pen, walk on stilts, and play a variety of instruments. While that seems like a lot, the list could go on forever.
This mascot began his career as the Chick-fil-A Cow in 2003. He then took on the role as Eugene the Unicorn at New Braunfels High School. Upon high school graduation, he became E-waste Eddie, the theme character for Computer Recycling for Education. "Remember to e-cycle it," he says, quoting the organization's slogan. Now in his second semester as a college student, he plays the role of Boko the Bobcat for Texas State University.
"'Eugene' exemplified the qualities of an ideal mascot," says New Braunfels High School Cheer Sponsor Kristy Castilleja. "He was able to organize his time so well that he could give 100 percent to any task that was set before him. He truly brought the spirit back to Unicorn Stadium on Friday nights, as well as to our community as a whole."
Thanks to his unprecedented efforts, Boko has become a household name in San Marcos. His new popularity and demand has paved the way for some great additions to the Texas State athletic department. Boko now has an interactive website with Boko and TSU memorabilia, which generated enough money to help send him to the USA National Cheerleading and Mascot Championship in Las Vegas.
Boko has routinely been the main entertainment at Texas State athletic events, including volleyball, men's and women's basketball, and football. Recently, during the Bobcats run through at the NCAA Division I-AA football playoffs, Boko performed two of the biggest and most well received skits in the school's history. According to Miller, his dance routine as "Napoleon Dynamite" and his interaction with the crowd during a skit were "the talk of the campus for weeks."
Throughout his tenure as a mascot, this young man has earned an array of honors and awards. Athletically, he has received the New Braunfels Spirit Award, the UCA Mascot Camp Leadership Award, and was named a UCA All Star Mascot. His scholastic and community achievements are equally impressive. He was named the 2004-05 New Braunfels High School Man of the Year, was elected Senior Class President, and was a Student Council District 18 Representative.
He received first place in a community talent show and was named the King of Hearts at NBHS in both 2004 and 2005. And just recently, Boko was crowned National Champion at USA Nationals! Neither he nor his Texas State fans could be more proud of him for the success he's had in such a short amount of time.
When Boko sets his mind to something, whether it's a hobby, doing well in class, or executing a new skill in front of thousands of people, he puts forth 110 percent. His major is Mass Communications, while his minor is public relations. He has high hopes of graduating from Texas State University, then moving on to become a professional mascot.
"A successful mascot is one that understands how great of an honor it is to be a representative member of your school or team," says Boko. "A true mascot is an entertainer, performing tricks like riding the unicycle, walking on your hands, flipping, etc. Mascots are lifesize cartoon characters. And although you cannot talk, your actions speak far louder than your words ever could."
Persons interested in booking Boko the Bobcat for special events, social mixers or company events can do so by calling (512) 245-2114 or filling out a request online at www.locoforboko.com.
Anyone interested in trying out for the Texas State mascot program should contact Miller at (512) 245-2114. Tryouts will be held April 29 from 10:00-11:00 am in the Jowers Gym on the campus of Texas State University.
