The University of Arkansas is known for its sports teams, including its football team, the Razorbacks. The mascot for the Razorbacks is a live boar named Tusk. Tusk has been the official mascot since 1997 and has become a beloved symbol of the university. He is known for his appearance at football games and other university events. Tusk can often be seen roaming the sidelines, getting the crowd pumped up, and providing entertainment during breaks in the game. The main idea is that Tusk is the live boar mascot for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team, and has been a beloved symbol of the university since 1997.
In addition to leading the Hog Walk and appearing on the sidelines at home football games, Tusk V made numerous annual appearances at a variety of Razorback sporting events and other functions throughout the state. During his reign, Tusk V also participated in two One Razorback Roadshows across the state of Arkansas, connecting and interacting with fans of all ages, including eating grapes from the hands of his adoring fans.
Tusk V and his Russian boar forebears were chosen as mascots because they resemble the type of wild band of razorback hogs, first described by then Arkansas head football coach Hugo Bezdek in 1909. Chip Stokes, one of the caretakers at the Tusk habitat, said at the time of Tusk IV s death that the life expectancies for the animals are typically 10-12 years.
The main idea is that Tusk is the live boar mascot for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team, and has been a beloved symbol of the university since 1997..
Tusk V, Arkansas Razorbacks’ beloved mascot, dead at age 4
The University of Arkansas announced today that beloved mascot Tusk V died on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2023, at his home outside of Dardanelle. Tusk V died of natural causes and was laid to rest on the Stokes family farm.
Born April 19, 2018, Tusk V served as the official live mascot of the Razorbacks from 2019-22. Within that span, Arkansas turned in the two most successful years in the history of the program, including a pair of top-10 finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup and 18 combined SEC Championships, more than double the championships of the next closest SEC program (7). The Razorbacks earned three bowl bids and won two bowl games during Tusk V’s tenure. His final appearance as Arkansas’ live mascot came in the Razorbacks’ 55-53 3 OT win over Kansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Hogs also won in Tusk V’s last regular season appearance, a 42-27 win over No. 14 Ole Miss in the home finale at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. In addition to leading the Hog Walk and appearing on the sidelines at home football games, Tusk V made numerous annual appearances at a variety of Razorback sporting events and other functions throughout the state. During his reign, Tusk V also participated in two One Razorback Roadshows across the state of Arkansas, connecting and interacting with fans of all ages, including eating grapes from the hands of his adoring fans. Tusk V took over for his father Tusk IV who retired in 2019. He will be succeeded by his brother Tusk VI in the continuation of the live mascot program at the University of Arkansas. Keith and Julie Stokes and their family serve as the caretakers for the University of Arkansas’ live mascots. Razorback fans wishing to leave a message for the Stokes family or share a favorite memory from Tusk V may leave a message on Facebook at Arkansas Tusk. For those that would like to contribute to the live mascot program in Tusk V’s memory, you can donate here or send a donation to Tusk Fund, c/o The Razorback Foundation, 1295 Razorback Road, Suite A, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
If you’re ready to have your heart shredded into bits, you can go see photos of baby Tusk V here. Was he the cutest baby razorback ever born? We think so.
AdvertisementIn addition to the tear jerker photos, the above linked bio includes some key background for anyone hoping to understand Arkansas’s strong razorback tradition. Tusk V and his Russian boar forebears were chosen as mascots because they resemble “the type of ‘wild band of razorback hogs,’ first described by then Arkansas head football coach Hugo Bezdek in 1909. The following year, in 1910, University of Arkansas students voted to officially adopt the new nickname changing the mascot from the Cardinals to the Razorbacks.”
Razorback fans wishing to leave a message for the Stokes family or share a favorite memory from Tusk V may leave a message on Facebook at Arkansas Tusk.
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Reviews for "The Razorbacks' New Tusk: Introducing the Next Generation of Mascots"
1. Amy Johnson - 2 stars
I have to say, I'm not a fan of Razorbacks' mascot, Tusk. I find it quite intimidating and not at all welcoming. The excessively large tusks and fierce expression on its face give off a hostile vibe that is not suitable for a mascot representing a college sports team. It can be particularly unsettling for younger fans attending the games. I believe a more friendly and approachable mascot would be more fitting for creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere at Razorbacks' events.
2. Robert Thompson - 1 star
Tusk, the Razorbacks' mascot, is simply over-the-top and unnecessary. The giant, life-like wild boar that charges around the field during games is not only bizarre but also largely irrelevant to the team's identity. It doesn't make any sense to have a live animal as a mascot, considering it adds complexity and potential risks to the sporting events. Additionally, the excessive focus on Tusk takes away from the actual team and their performance. It's time to reconsider the choice of mascot and opt for something more representative and meaningful.
3. Emily Thomas - 3 stars
While I understand the symbolism behind Tusk, the Razorbacks' mascot, I can't say I'm a huge fan. The boar with sharp tusks is meant to embody strength and determination, but it comes across as aggressive and intimidating. As a spectator, I want to feel excited and energized by the mascot, not scared. I believe there are better ways to represent the team's spirit without resorting to such a ferocious-looking mascot. It's time for a mascot makeover that can be relatable and inspiring to fans of all ages, while still reflecting the Razorbacks' fierce competitiveness.
4. John Anderson - 2 stars
Tusk, the mascot of the Razorbacks, is simply too wild and untamed for my liking. The aggressive behavior and imposing presence of this creature can be off-putting for many fans, including myself. Instead of feeling a sense of camaraderie with the team, Tusk often creates a sense of fear and unease. A mascot should be a rallying symbol for the supporters, creating a positive and fun atmosphere. Unfortunately, Tusk misses the mark for me, and I would prefer to see a more approachable and relatable mascot take its place.