Hook 'Em, the official costumed mascot of The University of Texas at Austin's athletic teams, is a prominent figure at various sports events. Hook 'Em is regularly seen on the sidelines of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium during football games, and at the Moody Center for basketball games, engaging fans and contributing to a lively atmosphere. Beyond these sporting events, Hook 'Em's presence can be requested through the Texas Athletics website, allowing the mascot to engage with the broader university community and its supporters.
History[]
In January 1975, Steven “Sox” Sockler (BBA ‘76, MBA ‘78) attended a basketball game against the University of Houston at Gregory Gym. The Cougars brought their costume mascot. Sockler questioned why the Longhorns did not have their own costumed mascot, and his friends at the game challenged him to create one. In April 1975, Sockler proposed the idea to the University Spirit Committee chaired by Wally Pryor. The committee told Sockler to return the next fall semester with a completed costume and it would be considered.
In June 1975, Sockler enlisted the services of Hugh Head, an Art Professor at Lamar University, to create the headpiece. The foundation was made using a construction helmet, with welding rods in the crown of the helmet to create horns. The entire frame was enveloped in paper mâchéand subsequently coated with fiberglass. The rest of the costume was handcrafted by Margaret Sockler, Steven's mother.
Upon his return in the autumn, Sockler submitted the costume to the Spirit Committee for their evaluation.
Wally Pryor expressed his approval with great enthusiasm, but specified that the mascot would solely be utilized during basketball games. Sockler recalled Pryor's statement, asserting that this adorned mascot is prohibited from making appearances at football games where Bevo holds absolute authority. The policy underwent modifications over the course of time.
The unnamed costume made its first appearance at the OU football pep rally held at Gregory Gym. The costume made its next appearance during the inaugural home basketball game in November 1975. At that moment, Sockler passed by the announcer's table and Wally Pryor inquired about the name of the costume. After Sockler declined, Pryor suggested, "Let's call it 'Hook'Em'."
Sockler consistently donned the Hook’Em mascot costume for every home basketball game during the 1975-76 season. Subsequently, Sockler contributed Hook'Em to the Spirit Committee, where it remained in use until 1980, when it was substituted for a newer design.
Hook 'Em has been part of game day events ever since. Hook 'Em attends more than 250 University of Texas at Austin events at home and across the country each season. In 2014 the Hook 'Em costume was updated to include lighter horns, more defined muscles, and custom made football, basketball, and baseball uniforms.