Big Blue, the iconic mascot of Utah State University, is more than a person in a blue bull costume, jumping around at Romney Stadium and the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. From a painted bull to a high-energy performer, Big Blue’s journey reflects Utah State’s history. Here’s everything you will need to know about the Big Blue mascot of Utah State Aggies.
What Is The Origin Of The Big Blue Mascot Of Utah State Aggies?
In the mid-1970s, Utah State’s mascot was a live white bull named GUS, short for “Go Utah State.” Painted blue before games, GUS was good at first, but he used to wreak havoc on Romney Stadium’s grass field. When the Spectrum opened in 1971, concerns about GUS damaging the new basketball court led to red rubber boots for the bull.
However, the solution flopped, as GUS still scuffed surfaces, and by the late 1970s, the live mascot was retired. A brief stint with the KVNU Chicken, a local spin on the San Diego Chicken, filled the gap, but Utah State needed a lasting mascot.
In 1987, John Mortensen, then Student Athletics Vice President, revived the mascot concept. Inspired by BYU’s Cosmo, Mortensen scraped together $750 for a bull costume. Nevertheless, the play resulted in a royal blue suit, too close to BYU’s colors, with honest animal horns and limited mobility, which ended up being a massive flop.
Best Mascot in the Nation!
Happy #NationalMascotDay to you @BigBlueofficial.
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— Utah State Athletics (@USUAthletics) June 17, 2022
“It was like an H.R. Pufnstuf costume,” Mortensen recalled in a 2023 interview. “You could high-five kids, but if you leaned over, the head fell off.” Mortensen and student Chris Hawkes wore it sparingly during the 1986-87 season, but after Mortensen graduated, the costume made a permanent home in a cardboard box of discarded stuff.
Big Blue’s rebirth came in 1989, thanks to Kenn Solomon and spirit squad advisor Linda Zimmerman. Solomon, a former ballroom dancer, relentlessly lobbied Zimmerman to reinstate the mascot. His persistence paid off when he donned the costume for a 1989 basketball tournament in California.
“Kenn made Big Blue come alive,” Zimmerman said. With modifications like navy blue fabric, a secure head, and sneakers for agility, Solomon transformed Big Blue into a performer. His 1989-90 tenure set the standard, and he later became Rocky, the Denver Nuggets’ Hall of Fame mascot.
Since Solomon, six students have portrayed Big Blue, four of whom became professional mascots. Gregory Houlton (1991-93) was Icy the Eagle for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, Jim Maxfield (1993-95) served as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first mascot, and others followed in pro sports. All remain anonymous until their senior year, when they reveal their identities at the Spectrum. “Being Big Blue is about energizing the crowd without saying a word,” said former performer Kaleb Redden, who is now a physician.
The role is grueling, and the tryouts are more so. In 2024, one candidate vomited from exhaustion but continued, earning a spot in the team. Injuries, like Jordan Rampersad’s broken arm during a 2017 tryout, also show how much work and talent are needed to play the role. Yet the prize of a full scholarship keeps applications coming.
Big Blue’s Modern Impact
Today’s Big Blue, crafted by Alinco Costumes for $3,500, is lighter, kid-friendly, and meticulously maintained. “We wash the suit after every game,” Watts said. “It always smells like Downey.” The mascot’s softer features and navy hue resonate with fans, especially children, though the tail remains a magnet for playful tugs.
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Big Blue has helped Utah State’s athletic programs shine, including 10 Mountain West titles since 2013, per USU Athletics. “Big Blue balances toughness and approachability,” said Athletic Director John Hartwell. Beyond games, Big Blue visits schools and hospitals to contribute to the community.
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