Auditions to determinie who would become the next Grizz were held on Monday, April 2. The official mascot of OU not only has an impact on campus, but in various communities as well.

The OU Athletics website describes the role of Grizz as an important one that should not be taken lightly.

“The Grizz isn’t just athletics, (the Grizz) symbolizes OU,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities at OU.

Along with athletics events, the Grizz can be found participating in community and charity events, according to Tim Dameron, the coordinator of promotions, marketing and ticketing at OU.

Dameron believes students who desire to be the next Grizz should be enthusiastic about the job and enjoy being in front of an audience.

“They need to bring the character to life,” he said.

He said those interested in being the Grizz need to be outgoing and talented people, who can interact with everyone from adults to children.

The Grizz also participates in book readings, which are catered to a younger audience.

In May 2011, the mascot visited 10 elementary schools to promote reading. While at the events, the Grizz reads to students, “Hello Grizz,” which is a book about the OU mascot.

Miller said the response the Grizz receives from the younger audience is a positive one.

“You can hear the kids really like him, it makes you feel good about OU,” Miller said.

Any OU student that is 18-years-old has the opportunity to become the mascot, regardless of class standing.

Due to the multiple events and appearances the Grizz makes, more than one student may be hired, according to Dameron.

Dameron believes hiring more than one student helps to keep their focus on school.

“They are (at OU) as students first,” Dameron said.

OU was not always known for being home to the Golden Grizzlies.

When OU made the switch to a Division I athletics program in 1998, OU made the change from the Pioneers to help prepare for the new publicity, according to the OU website.

Miller found the change was beneficial.

“(The Grizz) is instant recognition of OU,” she said. “It’s a great marketing tool.”

As a graduate of OU, Miller believes many former OU students prefer the Grizz to the Pioneers.

“I came to OU under the Pioneers, and it was nothing like this,” Miller said. “I suspect die-hard Pioneers can say they’re Grizzlies.”

Miller enjoys seeing how seriously the OU community takes its mascot and the role the Grizz plays towards school spirit.

“I think it’s really important, (the Grizz is) a fun, cool mascot,” Miller said. “Does it bring a lot of spirit to OU? Definitely.”

 

Contact Staff Intern Natalie Popovski via email at [email protected]