Butler University is a prestigious educational institution located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and vibrant campus life. One notable and beloved part of the university's identity is its mascot, Butler Blue. Butler Blue is an English Bulldog and has been the university's mascot since 2000. The first Butler Blue, known as "Hink," was a rescued dog who quickly became a beloved member of the Butler community. After Hink's passing, his successor, Butler Blue II, continued to represent the university with pride and enthusiasm.

Unc chapel hill mascot

Reserve Rameses and/or RJ for your next event! Please complete the below form at least 1 month in advance of your event. Please understand that Rameses & RJ are at most Carolina sporting events and that athletic department and university-affiliated appearances take top priority for scheduling. For sudden questions regarding pricing, appearances, or our program please contact Director of Spirit Programs, Brown Walters at [email protected].

Scheduling
All scheduling is completed around our mascots’ class schedules and university appearances; hence availability is not guaranteed. Upon completion of the form, you will be contacted via email from a UNC Mascot Program representative to confirm details and let you know if Rameses and/or RJ can be at your event. Our representative will confirm the rate, billing information, mascot availability, and other details as needed. Expect an initial email response up to two weeks after submitting your form as our scheduling meetings are held monthly. Events are not confirmed upon submission of this form.

Pricing*
All payment will be processed through email invoice from the Athletics Business Office 1-3 months after an appearance. Private events include weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This pricing is effective 9/2021.

*travel fees will apply to all off-campus appearances. As of 2021 that is $0.56/mile round trip. If an appearance is a significant distance from Chapel Hill and late at night, a hotel room may need to be provided for the mascot team member. If applied to your event, you will be informed of this in an email from our program representative.

**rate for 1 mascot is the same regardless of mascot preference indicated on form

• A parking place close to the event
• A private, secure location (not a public restroom) to dress and store personal items
• Drinking water must available at all times (water breaks as needed)
• A reminder when appearance time is over (mascots don't wear watches and clients will be responsible to pay for any extra time)

• Events can be cancelled by UNC at any time due to mascot availability, schedule changes, adverse weather (if event is outdoors) or the nature of the event request.
• Mascot(s) may cancel an event if they feel uncomfortable with the venue, the behavior of the guests, and/or if there is not a suitable place to change clothes and safely store their personal items, or any other situation that makes them feel unsafe or uneasy.
• If you wish to reschedule or cancel your event, please respond to your Mascot Program representative or Brown Walters [email protected] as soon as possible. In most cases, billing occurs after the event.

Questions
Please direct all questions regarding the UNC Mascot or Spirit Programs to Brown Walters at [email protected]. If you have submitted a request form and not been reached out within two weeks, please contact Brown Walters. If interested in joining the UNC Mascot Team please contact [email protected].

UNC's nicknames and mascots

UNC-Chapel Hill bears the nickname "Tar Heels," but the university's official mascot is a ram. At events, however, UNC fans might see a live animal called Ramses, or two costumed performers — one also known as Ramses and the other nicknamed RJ, short for Ramses Junior. How does this all make sense?

Ramses performing at the 2022 Universal Dance Association nationals with the Carolina Girls Dance team in Orlando, FL.

Because North Carolina was a massive source of tar and pitch for the English navy in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was often referred to as the "Tar and Turpentine State," and its inhabitants were known as "Tar Boilers." In 1781, it was rumored that British Gen.Charles Cornwallis led troops through the Tar River, which flowed near the borders of North Carolina and Virginia. The group emerged with tar on their feet, which had been supposedly dumped into the river by the Americans to prevent the British army from taking it. This story, most likely folklore, was passed down to the Civil War era, when North Carolinians were given the nickname "Tar Heels" for their grit in battle. Robert E. Lee was among many of the army generals to have made this reference, who is said to have stated: "God bless the Tar Heel boys." Post-Civil War, the nickname had a negative connotation, referring to the 'dirt eaters' and lower classes of the south, but soon gained a notoriety as it was equated with honesty and state pride. Thus, in 1893, when students at the University of North Carolina established a campus newspaper, they dubbed it The Tar Heel (now known as The Daily Tar Heel). And the rest, well, is history.

The ram came into the picture in 1924 through UNC's head cheerleader at the time, Vic Huggins. Though the school posted a lackluster 4-5 record that season, it went 9-1 two seasons before, led by fullback Jack Merritt. Because of the way he bulldozed into lines, Merritt was nicknamed "the battering ram." That epithet inspired Huggins, and with $25 given to him by athletic business manager Charlie Woollen, he purchased Ramses the First and outfitted the ram with a monogrammed blanket. The lineage of rams has been bred and cared for at Hogan's Magnolia View Farm ever since, which is about a 15-minute drive from the UNC campus.

Ramses entering the field at the UNC v. Duke rivalry game on Nov. 19, 1965.

By the late 1980s, UNC was the only school in the ACC without a costumed mascot — and of course, Ramses could not make appearances at indoor facilities. As North Carolina was rising to fame on the basketball front, the Carolina Athletic Association decided to hold tryouts for a costumed mascot to be debuted during the 1987-88 basketball season. Ramses was an immediate hit, and through a few iterations of the suit, Ramses has proudly represented the university for over three decades.

The second iteration of the Ramses costume mascot in 1991, stunted by male cheerleaders at a home UNC football game.

In 2015, RJ made his debut alongside Ramses at UNC basketball's season promotional event Late Night with Roy. Designed as the son of Ramses, RJ has blue eyes, blue horns, less muscular definition and a softer expression, and is said to appeal to the younger audiences at UNC events. The two split time making appearances around campus, namely at athletic events, university-sponsored events, fundraisers and community events.

After Hink's passing, his successor, Butler Blue II, continued to represent the university with pride and enthusiasm. The current Butler Blue, also known as "Tripp," has been the mascot since 2013. Tripp is more than just a symbol of school spirit; he is an important part of campus life and attends various university events, such as athletic games and student gatherings.

His friendly and energetic presence brings joy to students, alumni, and visitors alike. Butler Blue not only attends events but also has a significant online presence. Tripp has his own social media accounts, including Twitter and Instagram, where he engages with fans, shares his daily adventures, and promotes university-related activities. This online presence has helped to further strengthen the bond between Butler Blue and the university community. As the university's mascot, Butler Blue plays an essential role in promoting school spirit and creating a sense of unity among students and alumni. Whether it's cheering on the basketball team or participating in campus traditions, Butler Blue exemplifies the values of dedication, loyalty, and enthusiasm that the university holds dear. In conclusion, Butler Blue is more than just a mascot; he is a beloved member of the Butler University community. With his friendly and energetic nature, Tripp represents the school's values and fosters a strong sense of pride among students and alumni. Butler Blue is a symbol of school spirit, unity, and the vibrant campus life that makes Butler University a unique and exceptional institution..

Reviews for "Butler Blue: The Center of Attention at University Sporting Events"

1. Amanda - 1 star - I absolutely despise the Butler University mascot, Butler Blue. It's just a dog dressed up in a silly costume, and there's nothing appealing about it. I find it irritating when it comes to sporting events, as it distracts from the actual game. I wish they would get rid of it and find a more professional and suited mascot for the university.

2. Jason - 2 stars - I am not a fan of Butler Blue, the mascot of Butler University. I find it quite childish and unnecessary. The idea of a dog being a mascot for a university just doesn't make sense to me. It lacks identity and fails to represent the essence of the institution. I believe they should reconsider their mascot choice and opt for something more meaningful and representative of their academic values.

3. Megan - 2 stars - As an alumna of Butler University, I must say that Butler Blue is not a mascot that I particularly enjoyed during my time there. While I understand that the mascot is meant to bring some fun and excitement to events, I found it to be a bit too cheesy and over the top. It didn't resonate with me as a symbol of the university's values and traditions. I believe they should reconsider their mascot choice and opt for something more dignified and representative of the university's academic excellence.

4. Robert - 1 star - Butler Blue is a complete joke of a mascot. I don't see how a bulldog in a cheerleader costume is supposed to represent a university. It's embarrassing and makes the university look unprofessional. I would never recommend attending any event where Butler Blue is present, as it simply detracts from the seriousness and meaning behind the event. Butler University needs to rethink their mascot choice and find something that better aligns with their image and values.

Butler Blue: More than Just a Mascot, a Symbol of Unity and Pride