 Â Â Bobcats |
| Texas State University adopted the bobcat as an official athletic mascot in 1920. The bobcat is a resident of the Central Texas Hill Country, as well as a fighter of great courage. Texas State coach Oscar Strahan once said, "A bobcat will fight you with everything he has; with claws, teeth, speed and brains." Texas State was the only college in the country until the late 1920s to possess the name for its athletic teams. |
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| Â Â Maroon and Gold |
| Texas State's school colors are maroon and metallic gold and are inspired by the native wildflower, the Gaillardia. There have been different variations over the years, but the main colors have been a staple of the university and the athletics department for years. Gold represents wealth used wisely, good health and optimism. Maroon symbolizes courage, bravery, heroism and strength. |
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| Â Â Go Bobcats (Fight Song)Â l Play it! |
There was no official fight song until 1961, when Paul Yoder was commissioned to compose "Go Bobcats." It is the rousing "call to arms" for all Texas State athletic games and competition.
Lyrics
Go Bobcats all the way,
Keep the maroon and gold on high!
Fight on for every play Until you hear the Bobcat battle cry!
We're gonna cheer for our team today
Until the whole world knows our name,
No doubt about it We're gonna shout it - the Bobcats will win this game!
Eat 'em Up, Eat 'em Up, Go 'Cats Go
Eat 'em Up, Eat 'em Up, Go 'Cats Go |
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|   Alma Mater l Play it! |
The Texas State Alma Mater was written by Jessie Sayers in the early 1900's to the tune of Ancient of Days (a Presbyterian hymn written in 1896) by J. Albert Jeffrey. Sayers was a Texas State professor (one of the first, in 1903) and sister of Texas Gov. Joseph Sayers. The song's words harken back to the golden era of school tributes. The song paints a classical and idyllic portrait of the hilly campus above the San Marcos River.
Lyrics
O, Alma Mater, set upon the green hills,
With turrets pointing upward to the sky;
We yield to thee our love and our devotion;
Mother of hopes and aspirations high.
Thy spirit urges us to deeds of valor,
Raising the fallen, cheering the oppressed;
Thy call will echo clearly down the ages.
Dear Alma Mater, mother loved and blessed. |
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|   Texas State Chant l Play It! |
| The "Texas State" chant heard at Bobcat athletic events is unlike any other. At any point during the game fans on one side of the venue can be heard chanting "Texas" followed by a response from the other side of the venue, "State." |
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| Â Â Heart of Texas State (Hand Sign) |
| The State of Texas is a great place and at the heart of this great state is Texas State University. As a shown sign of this match Bobcat faithful can be seen holding up the left hand in the shape of the State of Texas with the two outside fingers pointing down toward the middle of the palm indicating the location of the university. |
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| Â Â Eat 'Em Up, 'Cats (Chant & Hand Sign) |
| Along with the Heart of Texas State hand sign Bobcat fans routinely display their right hand in the shape of Bobcat paw while saying "Eat 'em Up, Cats!" |
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| Â Â Bobcat Victory Ball |
Dedicated in 2006, the Bobcat Victory ball sits on a marble base outside the main entrance of the end zone complex at Bobcat Stadium. All persons entering the complex are encouraged to rub the ball for luck.
The ball was dedicated in the memory of Bill Miller who was an athletic director at Texas State and the coach with the most football wins in school history. |
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| Â Â Light the Victory Star |
From 1913 to 1967, a 50,000 gallon water tower presided over the campus from a perch located behind where the Chemistry Building and Centennial Hall now sit. Beginning in 1936, a star was placed on top of that water tower as a Christmas decoration. When the holidays were over, the star was put away. But in 1942 night watchman Elmer Titsworth started turning the star on to signal a Bobcat athletic victory, and a new tradition was born.
A new star was built by San Marcos sign-man Ivar Gunnarson, who expected to have it ready in time for the first game against Texas Lutheran on September 16, 1967, and was perched atop Jackson Hall for 53 years. On top of Jackson Hall, the Victory Star sat about 50 feet higher than its predecessor sat on top of the old water tower.
In 2018, the Victory Star was moved to the north side of Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC), and in 2020, it was activated for the first time in its new location. The five-pointed star is lighted at night on occasions of all athletic victories, both home and away, and championships won. |
