We all love Cocky and it's hard to imagine there were ever a time without him. Over the past 30 years since he first appeared in 1980, Cocky has become one of the most treasured parts of South Carolina Athletics and the University as a whole. Cocky is one of the most recognized and honored mascots in the nation, including winning the Capital One Bowl National Mascot of the Year in 2003, appearing in commercials, and winning several UCA and NCA National Championships.
Being such a popular bird means Cocky often has to "fly" in a lot of directions. His primary responsibilities are athletic contests where he is always a crowd favorite. Don't be shy to approach him, Cocky will never refuse a picture or an autograph! Next priority are other athletics department events or activities such as coaches' call-in shows appearances. Cocky is then on hand for Gamecock Club appearances around the state and MyCarolina Alumni Association events. Cocky often participates in other university events as well, such as recent appearances for Russell House fire safety and Carolina Dining.
While athletics and university functions get first priority at all times, Cocky is also available for outside appearances, though you often have to put in a request at least six to eight weeks in advance to get on this bird's calendar. Weddings are one of the most popular requests Cocky receives but there is a wide range as long as it meets the University's provisions (e.g. businesses have to be sponsors to request a Cocky appearance). As Cocky is always filled by a South Carolina student, who obviously has his own class responsibilities, he is a natural fit at many youth events to promote education such as Cocky's Reading Express.
Just in the coming week Cocky will be appearing at: several Gamecock athletic events (and celebrating his birthday!!); a fall festival at the children's center; Cocky's Reading Express; the Ray Tanner Foundation Walk; and a child's birthday party in Greenwood. Cocky was also on hand for an interview with WLTX about his birthday and to receive a birthday cake from Coach Spurrier on Tuesday. Whew!!!
Happy 30th Birthday to our beloved Cocky and thank you for all you do!
- Brittany Lane, Spurs Up Blog
Being such a popular bird means Cocky often has to "fly" in a lot of directions. His primary responsibilities are athletic contests where he is always a crowd favorite. Don't be shy to approach him, Cocky will never refuse a picture or an autograph! Next priority are other athletics department events or activities such as coaches' call-in shows appearances. Cocky is then on hand for Gamecock Club appearances around the state and MyCarolina Alumni Association events. Cocky often participates in other university events as well, such as recent appearances for Russell House fire safety and Carolina Dining.
While athletics and university functions get first priority at all times, Cocky is also available for outside appearances, though you often have to put in a request at least six to eight weeks in advance to get on this bird's calendar. Weddings are one of the most popular requests Cocky receives but there is a wide range as long as it meets the University's provisions (e.g. businesses have to be sponsors to request a Cocky appearance). As Cocky is always filled by a South Carolina student, who obviously has his own class responsibilities, he is a natural fit at many youth events to promote education such as Cocky's Reading Express.
Just in the coming week Cocky will be appearing at: several Gamecock athletic events (and celebrating his birthday!!); a fall festival at the children's center; Cocky's Reading Express; the Ray Tanner Foundation Walk; and a child's birthday party in Greenwood. Cocky was also on hand for an interview with WLTX about his birthday and to receive a birthday cake from Coach Spurrier on Tuesday. Whew!!!
Happy 30th Birthday to our beloved Cocky and thank you for all you do!
- Brittany Lane, Spurs Up Blog
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