Big Blue

Class: Lots & Lots of Class Hometown: Logan, Utah College: Utah State University Height / Weight: / Position: Mascot Birthdate: 1989 Experience:

Randy Spetman, the athletics director of USU, said Big Blue is an icon for Utah State, someone who represents athletics.
"Big Blue epitomizes sportsmanship and what's good in athletics in our program," Spetman said. "He's our goodwill ambassador."
The Aggies first got their mascot in 1989. The mascot for what was then Rick's College (now BYU-Idaho) began calling Linda Zimmerman, head of the Aggie Spirit Squad and telling her he wanted to represent Utah State as its mascot.
Zimmerman said he kept calling and bugging her, so she decided to have him come to the Big West tournament.
"We ended up finding an old, royal blue and not a very good looking suit," she said. "We dressed this kid at the Big West ... and he was absolutely just amazing. Everybody fell in love with him."
From there on out, Big Blue became an integral part of Utah State athletics and the university.
Big Blue said he wasn't entirely sure where the actual idea for a bull came from, because, contrary to popular opinion, he said an Aggie is not a bull.
"Even though people call me an Aggie, it's not an Aggie," Big Blue said. "I'm glad I'm not a farmer or a teacher or whatever mascot. A bull is a cool mascot. I'm glad I don't have to dress up like a farmer."
But bull or farmer, Big Blue said it is important to have a some kind of mascot.
"Utah State needs and icon - an image - especially to reach the kids," Big Blue said. "There needs to be some figure that represents Utah State. That's what a mascot is."
Now Big Blue is a very busy man. Besides going to the home events for five varsity sports - men's and women's basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, football - Big Blue has several other events he attends. He said he attends events in the community, birthday parties and other events associated with Utah State. He said he had seven events he had to attend in one week.
But his most important job is reaching out to the crowd and getting them excited about the Aggies.
"I've never seen anyone that relate so well with children and just capture them," Spetman, said. "It's so phenominal to watch the reaction he gets from kids. He generates an enthusiasm and a spirit that just kinds of permeates through the whole arena."
Zimmerman said it has been important to keep Big Blue's identity a secret. Not only to allow him to live a normal life, but the mystery generates interest. She also said people at games and matches need to see the mascot and not the person.