The Silver Spurs: The Organization Behind Bevo
Guardians of UT Austin's Mascot Tradition
The Silver Spurs, an honorary service organization at the University of Texas at Austin, plays a crucial role in maintaining one of the most iconic college mascots in America. Founded in 1937, this group of student leaders is responsible for the care, transportation, and handling of Bevo, the live Longhorn steer that represents the university's spirit and tradition.
The organization consists of campus leaders from various backgrounds, all united in their commitment to serve the university and community. Silver Spurs members not only manage Bevo's appearances at sporting events and other functions but also engage in philanthropic efforts associated with the mascot.
Over the years, the Silver Spurs have overseen multiple generations of Bevo, ensuring the safety and well-being of each steer that has held the title. Their dedication goes beyond simple mascot management, as they serve as ambassadors for the University of Texas, embodying the institution's values of leadership, service, and tradition.
History of the Silver Spurs
The Silver Spurs have a rich history dating back to 1937, serving as caretakers of Bevo and ambassadors for the University of Texas. Their roles and responsibilities have evolved over the decades while maintaining their core mission of service.
Origins and Legacy
Founded in 1937, the Silver Spurs began as an honorary men's service organization at the University of Texas at Austin. Their primary mission was to benefit the university through service and philanthropic efforts. The organization quickly became known for its most visible role - caring for Bevo, the university's beloved longhorn mascot.
Since its inception, the Silver Spurs have provided over 2,500 campus leaders with opportunities to give back to their school and community. This legacy of service has solidified the organization's importance in UT's traditions and culture.
Evolution of Roles and Responsibilities
While the Silver Spurs' core duty of caring for Bevo has remained constant, their responsibilities have expanded over time. The organization now serves as official ambassadors for the University of Texas, representing the school at various events and functions.
The Silver Spurs' role in transporting and handling Bevo has grown more complex with each generation of the mascot. They've cared for multiple iterations, including Bevo XIII and Bevo XIV, adapting their practices to ensure the safety and well-being of each animal.
Beyond mascot care, the Silver Spurs have increased their focus on philanthropy. They organize and participate in numerous charitable events, furthering their mission of service to the university and wider community.
Bevo: The Longhorn Mascot
Bevo, the iconic live mascot of the University of Texas, embodies the spirit and tradition of the Longhorns. This majestic Texas Longhorn steer has become a symbol of pride for the university and its athletic programs.
The Personification of Texas Pride
Bevo stands as a living representation of Texas's rich ranching heritage. The mascot's distinctive burnt orange and white coloring aligns perfectly with the university's official colors. Bevo's impressive horns, which can span up to 5-6 feet tip to tip, make for an awe-inspiring sight at university events.
The steer's calm demeanor and regal presence contribute to his status as a beloved figure among students, alumni, and fans. Bevo's appearances at football games and other university functions often elicit cheers and admiration from crowds.
Historical Timeline of Bevo Mascots
The tradition of Bevo began in 1916 when the first live Longhorn mascot was introduced to the university. Initially known as "Varsity," the name "Bevo" was later adopted and has stuck ever since.
Over the years, several steers have held the esteemed position:
Bevo I (1916-1920)
Bevo II-XIII (various years)
Bevo XIV (2004-2015)
Bevo XV (2016-present)
Each Bevo has contributed to the university's rich history, with some gaining particular fame for their longevity or notable appearances at championship games.
Care and Transportation of Bevo
The Silver Spurs, an honorary student organization founded in 1937, bears the responsibility for Bevo's care and transportation. This group ensures the mascot's well-being and coordinates his appearances at various events.
Bevo's care involves:
Regular health check-ups
A specialized diet
Comfortable living conditions
Transportation requires careful planning and specialized equipment. A custom-built trailer ensures Bevo's safety during travel to and from events. The Silver Spurs meticulously manage every aspect of Bevo's public appearances, prioritizing the mascot's comfort and security.
Student Involvement
The Silver Spurs organization actively engages University of Texas students in various roles and responsibilities. Campus leaders are carefully chosen to join this prestigious group, where they take on important duties in caring for Bevo and representing the university.
Selection of Campus Leaders
The Silver Spurs seek outstanding students from across the University of Texas campus. Candidates are evaluated based on their leadership abilities, academic performance, and commitment to service. The selection process is competitive, with only a limited number of positions available each year.
Chosen members come from diverse backgrounds and majors, reflecting the broad spectrum of the UT student body. This diversity helps ensure a well-rounded perspective within the organization. Selected students must demonstrate a strong passion for UT traditions and a willingness to dedicate significant time to their Silver Spurs duties.
Roles of Active Spurs
Active Spurs take on numerous responsibilities related to Bevo's care and public appearances. They handle the transportation of the mascot to football games and other events, ensuring his safety and comfort at all times. This includes managing Bevo's trailer and coordinating his movements during public outings.
Members also participate in various philanthropic efforts associated with the organization. These may include:
Volunteering with the Neighborhood Longhorns program
Fundraising for scholarships
Representing UT at community events
Active Spurs serve as ambassadors for the university, interacting with fans and answering questions about Bevo and UT traditions. Their duties require a significant time commitment, especially during football season when Bevo makes frequent appearances.
Philanthropy and Scholarship
The Silver Spurs extend their impact beyond caring for Bevo through community service and educational support. Their philanthropic initiatives focus on youth programs and academic opportunities for University of Texas students.
The Neighborhood Longhorns Program
The Silver Spurs actively participate in the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, a youth outreach initiative. This program connects UT student-athletes with local children, promoting education and personal development. Silver Spurs members volunteer their time to mentor and inspire young students in the Austin area.
The organization's involvement helps foster a strong connection between the university and surrounding communities. By engaging with local youth, the Silver Spurs contribute to creating positive role models and encouraging academic success.
Funding Educational and Athletic Excellence
In 2004, the Silver Spurs established the BEVO Endowment to ensure long-term support for their mascot and philanthropic efforts. This fund covers Bevo's expenses and enables the organization to provide scholarships to UT students.
The endowment supports 10 annual scholarships through the Texas Exes alumni association. These scholarships help deserving students pursue their academic goals at the University of Texas.
Additionally, the Silver Spurs have created the Silver Spurs BEVO Center in the UT Club at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. This museum showcases the organization's history and honors its legacy of service to the university.
Silver Spurs Alumni Association
The Silver Spurs Alumni Association maintains connections between former members and supports the current organization. This network provides valuable resources and mentorship to active Silver Spurs.
A Network of Support
The Silver Spurs Alumni Association serves as a vital link between past and present members of the organization. Alumni contribute their expertise and experience to guide current Silver Spurs in their duties.
The association organizes events and reunions, fostering a sense of community among graduates. These gatherings allow alumni to reconnect and share memories of their time caring for Bevo.
Financial support from alumni helps fund scholarships and initiatives for current Silver Spurs. This assistance ensures the organization can continue its mission of service to the University of Texas.
Alumni often volunteer at Bevo-related events, working alongside current members. Their presence reinforces the longstanding traditions and values of the Silver Spurs organization.
The Bevo Center and Museum
The Bevo Center and Museum showcase the rich history of the University of Texas mascot and the Silver Spurs organization. This dedicated space offers visitors a unique glimpse into the longstanding traditions surrounding Bevo.
Showcasing an Iconic History
The Bevo Center, located in the lobby entrance of The University of Texas Club, houses an impressive collection spanning 90 years of Bevo and Silver Spurs history. Visitors can explore a wide range of memorabilia, including items from Football National Championships.
The museum dispels common myths, such as the origin of Bevo's name. Contrary to popular belief, it was not derived from a 13-0 branding legend. Instead, the true story behind the iconic mascot's name is revealed through the exhibits.
Displays highlight the evolution of Bevo through the years. For instance, Bevo I had to be dragged onto the field with cables, while Bevo IV was known for his impressive ability to jump over an 8-foot fence without a running start.
The center serves as a testament to the dedication of the Silver Spurs organization and their role in caring for the beloved mascot. It offers a comprehensive look at the University of Texas traditions and the impact of Bevo on campus culture.
Traditions and Game-Day Experience
The Silver Spurs play a crucial role in upholding cherished University of Texas traditions. They contribute to the electric atmosphere on game days and extend Bevo's influence beyond football.
Smokey the Cannon and Bevo Blvd
Bevo's arrival at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium marks the start of Texas football game days. The Silver Spurs carefully guide him onto the field, where he takes his place near the end zone. As Bevo enters, Smokey the Cannon fires, signaling the team's imminent appearance.
On Bevo Blvd, fans gather hours before kickoff. This pregame celebration features food, music, and opportunities to see Bevo up close. The Silver Spurs manage Bevo's presence, ensuring fan safety while allowing photo opportunities.
Beyond the Football Field
The Silver Spurs' duties extend past game days. They bring Bevo to various campus events, fostering school spirit year-round. The organization participates in philanthropic activities, using Bevo's popularity to raise funds for scholarships and community programs.
Bevo makes appearances at alumni gatherings, strengthening ties between current students and graduates. The Silver Spurs also organize educational outreach, teaching children about longhorn cattle and UT traditions.
During the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, the Silver Spurs played a key role in protecting Bevo from potential pranks by Aggie students. This vigilance helped maintain the mascot's dignity during the heated matchups.
Cultural Impact and University Identity
The Silver Spurs and Bevo have become integral symbols of the University of Texas, shaping its identity and cultural legacy. Their presence extends beyond campus, embodying the spirit of Texas and its ranching heritage.
Longhorns as Symbols of Texas Spirit
Bevo, the Texas Longhorn mascot, represents more than just the university. This iconic cattle breed embodies the rugged individualism and pioneering spirit of Texas. The Silver Spurs' care for Bevo connects students to the state's ranching traditions. At football games, Bevo's appearance ignites crowd enthusiasm, uniting fans in a shared cultural experience.
The Longhorn's distinctive silhouette adorns university merchandise, becoming a recognizable emblem across the state and beyond. This symbol resonates with Texans, evoking pride in their heritage and connection to the land.
Legacy of the Burnt Orange
Burnt orange, the university's signature color, is inextricably linked to the Silver Spurs and Bevo. This distinctive hue sets the University of Texas apart, creating a visual identity that's instantly recognizable. The color appears on uniforms, banners, and campus buildings, fostering a sense of unity among students, alumni, and fans.
The burnt orange legacy extends to Texas Longhorn cattle, with some ranchers selectively breeding for this color. This practice further intertwines the university's identity with the state's agricultural history. The Silver Spurs, in their burnt orange attire, serve as living ambassadors of this tradition, reinforcing the color's significance at every university event they attend.
Involvement in Community and Volunteering
The Silver Spurs organization extends its impact beyond caring for Bevo, actively engaging in community service and volunteering efforts throughout Austin. Their philanthropic work aims to give back to both the university and the wider community.
The Silver Spurs in the Austin Community
The Silver Spurs participate in various volunteer activities in Austin. They contribute hundreds of hours each year to local charities, demonstrating their commitment to community service. The organization is involved in the University of Texas's Neighborhood Longhorns program, an ongoing project that benefits local youth.
Members of the Silver Spurs serve as ambassadors for the University of Texas, representing the institution at various community events. Their presence helps strengthen ties between the university and the Austin community.
The group also organizes philanthropic events associated with Bevo, leveraging the mascot's popularity to support charitable causes. These initiatives allow the Silver Spurs to combine their mascot duties with meaningful community engagement.
Additionally, the organization has established endowed scholarships through the Texas Exes, the university's alumni association. This effort supports education and creates opportunities for future students at the University of Texas.
