What's in a mascot? The stories behind Cosmo and Swoop

BYU restarted its football program in 1920 after a 20-year hiatus. Searching for a way to boost school spirit, administrators turned to local animal life. The cougar was chosen as the school's official mascot in 1924 when a school geologist captured two young cougar kittens and brought them back to campus.

Cougar Mascot Costume

The two youngsters were named Cleo and Tarbo, according to the site, and the nickname of 'Cougars' was given to the school's athletic teams. In 1953, school athletic directors came up with the version of Cosmo we know today.

Beardless Cougar Mascot Adult Costume

"The brainchild of pep chairman Dwayne Stevenson, Cosmo supposedly got his name from the cosmic forces of the universe and was here to help increase the prowess of the BYU athletic teams," the site says.

Cosmo has made appearances at hundreds of events over the years. The human identity of Cosmo is kept a secret throughout the school year. In recent years, the demand on Cosmo's time has lead to the creation of two Cosmos, played by two different individuals.

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