Thank you to all the fans who participated in our celebration of Cocky's 30th Birthday this weekend, by singing at the games, sending in your photos, and sending your birthday wishes to the bird on Facebook and Twitter.
Cocky had a great time with the fans and getting his presents - signed balls from Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, and Volleyball - and we all loved going through all the great pictures submitted by fans. The slideshow below contains those pictures with Cocky submitted by fans as well as pictures from the festivities this weekend.
I talked to the first person to ever be "Cocky", John Routh (class of 1982), last week about the birthday celebration and it makes him very proud that now, 30 years later, Cocky has become so loved and nationally recognized. As Cocky, Routh paved the way for this, performing at Carolina's games in the 1981 College World Series after winning over the NCAA at the Regional, then returning to the 1982 College World Series as the official mascot who performed throughout the tournament. Cocky was the first mascot to ever go to the College World Series. National Championships from the UCA and NCA would follow and numerous appearances in the Capital One Bowl Mascot Challenge, including a win in 2004.
Many longtime Gamecock fans remember the first time Cocky appeared on the field as well as some of the creative skits Cocky performed. Routh detailed one such skit in the 1981 game vs. Clemson. He borrowed Sarge Frye's tractor, attached a tiger tail and a "ClemPson Drivers' Ed" sign, and drove around the field, apparently running over a stuffed tiger thrown from the stands in the process.
Once again, Happy 30th Birthday to our favorite bird, Cocky!!!
Cocky had a great time with the fans and getting his presents - signed balls from Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, and Volleyball - and we all loved going through all the great pictures submitted by fans. The slideshow below contains those pictures with Cocky submitted by fans as well as pictures from the festivities this weekend.
I talked to the first person to ever be "Cocky", John Routh (class of 1982), last week about the birthday celebration and it makes him very proud that now, 30 years later, Cocky has become so loved and nationally recognized. As Cocky, Routh paved the way for this, performing at Carolina's games in the 1981 College World Series after winning over the NCAA at the Regional, then returning to the 1982 College World Series as the official mascot who performed throughout the tournament. Cocky was the first mascot to ever go to the College World Series. National Championships from the UCA and NCA would follow and numerous appearances in the Capital One Bowl Mascot Challenge, including a win in 2004.
Many longtime Gamecock fans remember the first time Cocky appeared on the field as well as some of the creative skits Cocky performed. Routh detailed one such skit in the 1981 game vs. Clemson. He borrowed Sarge Frye's tractor, attached a tiger tail and a "ClemPson Drivers' Ed" sign, and drove around the field, apparently running over a stuffed tiger thrown from the stands in the process.
Once again, Happy 30th Birthday to our favorite bird, Cocky!!!
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