Raging bull
No bull about it, The University of South Florida is getting a real, live mascot.
Appropriately, it’s a Brahman bull, named Rocky.
If all goes as planned, the giant cow should make its way onto the field of play beginning in the 2007-2008 school year. And it will be the official mascot of the school, who’s animal icon is the bull.
The bullish idea was that of John Massaro, who grew up in the Tampa area and now owns several Beef ‘O Brady’s. A USF grad, class of 1989, he said he’s always had a vision for his alma mater. When the university entered the national stage by becoming a member of the Big East conference last year, Massaro wanted to improve the school’s national image.
A live mascot would mean power and prestige, he said. An idea currently used by several other university’s across the country including the University of Georgia (bulldog), the University of Colorado (buffalo) and the University of Texas, (longhorn).
“This will help build excitement,” Massaro said. “We’re at a level better than the guy in the carpeted suit and it will build tradition.”
Spurring his idea along, he contacted Robert Newsome, a Riverview cattle owner, and told him of his vision. Newsome showed no reluctance and told Massaro that if he could get the university to go along with the idea, he’d donate a bull.
“He just came up and introduced himself,” said Newsome. “And I thought the idea would legitimize the program.”
Next, Massaro went to county commissioner Brian Blair and told him of his plans. Blair, who once had the very same idea as Massaro, signed on to spearhead the movement.
Blair quickly became excited about the idea. “The animal serves as symbolism,” Blair said. “It’s part of the game like the first pitch or the canon going of at Raymond James when the Bucs score a touchdown. Animals with strength and power just energize the crowd.”
The university quickly became intrigued by the idea and the two sides began to work out the kinks beginning last August.
Only thing was, the school wanted no financial ties to Rocky. Now after months of discussion, the school has given the official green light, said Massaro. USF president Judy Genshaft gave the thumbs up, he added.
Blair added that Rocky would serve as a multi-faceted business center for the school by teaching students real life marketing skills and by getting the school’s name into the community.
“I think this will help put us on the map. People will be talking about it, and they will go absolutely wild, it’ll be pandemonium,” the commissioner said.
Rocky should live about three times as long as a pasture bull, he added, because of the celebrity treatment he’ll receive.
Rocky is a purebred, registered gray Brahman bull calf born Feb. 16 weighing 120 pounds at birth. His life expectancy is 15 years and will weigh about 2,000 pounds when full grown.
Rocky will be halter broke to get used to being around people and handled by a trainer much like a dog to make him “bomb proof” so he’s safe around crowds, said Newsome.
“I could never afford to give the university what the bull can provide,” Massaro said. “I’ve got school pride and I never dreamed I’d be where I am today because of it.”
Blair said the program will be self sufficient financially. To increase interest at the official introduction of Rocky to the public at USF’s first home football game, Blair said he’s invited former wrestling buddy Terry “Hulk” Hogan and his daughter, Brooke, to sing the national anthem at the game.
Blair said the idea of the bull was an innovative one, something his wrestling career helped create. “It’s always fun and interesting finding out how to give people their money’s worth,” he said.
