- BEGINNING OF COSMO -

On October 15, 1953, Cosmo the Cougar made his first appearance in front of BYU fans, flying into LaVell Edwards Stadium on a parachute. Dwayne Stevenson, the pep chairman of BYU, bought the costume for $73 and persuaded his roommate Daniel T. Gallego to wear it and become the first Cosmo. The name Cosmo derives from the word "cosmopolitan" and was chosen because BYU had recently been selected as a Cosmopolitan school. Cosmo became immediately popular, and since Gallego, many people have worn the suit to become Cosmo.

- ORIGINAL BYU MASCOT -

In 1923, Brigham Young University selected the cougar as its mascot. Eugene L. Roberts, a coach and faculty member, suggested the cougar because it is native to Utah and it exemplified the traits that he hoped athletes competing for Brigham Young University would have. These traits included strength, agility, grace, quickness, and beauty. In 1925, two cougar cubs (Cleo and Tarbo) were brought to campus to serve as mascots. The cougar kittens were kept on the south side of Temple Hill until 1929 when they managed to break out of their cage, sending out a cry from the faculty, “The cougars are out!”

This incident produced the lyrical chorus of our very own Fight Song written by Clyde D. Sandgren in 1932 - "Rise and shout, the Cougars are out." In 1930, Tarbo died of natural causes and Cleo was sent to a zoo in Salt Lake City. The school has not owned cougars since then, although live cougars were sometimes brought to campus for special occasions. Live cougars were later replaced by Cosmo the Cougar.

Cosmo the Cougar has been Brigham Young University's beloved mascot for over 60 years! His talents, intelligence, charisma, honor and enthusiasm symbolize BYU standards. For more than half a century, Cosmo has prowled the BYU campus, interacting with students, fans and the community. His positive reputation and strength as a role model grows with every sporting event, promotion and community service he attends and no matter where he ends up, you can always find him repping the white and blue of BYU!

Cosmo's story is remarkable to say the least! Over the years, influenced by extreme events and popularity, he has changed drastically. The more you learn about Cosmo the Cougar, the more you come to know what an amazing mascot he is and why he is recognized as "the mascot in a league of his own".

Events

What type of events does Cosmo attend?

- School assemblies -
- Grand Openings -
- Special Deliveries -
- Weddings/Receptions -
- Special Needs Events -
- Parades -
- Commercials -
- Birthdays -
- Local Sporting Events -
And More!

BRINGING STYLE AND SWAG ONE EVENT AT A TIME!

Pricing

Cosmo the Cougar appearances vary in price and duration depending on the type/location of your event.

Off-Campus events start around $500/hr, not including mileage fees beyond BYU campus
(Ask about school discounts)

For BYU sanctioned On-Campus events contact us for pricing.

Remember: No matter the type of event, Cosmo the Cougar is here to support the community and his fans! Bring him along to your next event and enjoy some extra entertainment!