Rufus the Bobcat

Being a Bobcat comes with a sense of pride and belonging that goes beyond the field or the court and holds true long after the best years at OHIO have passed — it becomes a part of who we are forever. 

For more than 100 years, Ohio University's athletic teams, student body and alumni have proudly donned the nickname, "Bobcats." The name was selected following a University-sponsored naming contest in 1925. The first bobcat mascot costume was debuted in 1960, after Lincoln Hall students funded and designed it.

More Than a Mascot

An older iteration of Ohio University's mascot, "Bobby Bobcat" or "Mr. Bobcat" shared in an interview in the 1976 edition of the Spectrum Green yearbook that his original purpose was to entertain children at games, but he quickly evolved into a unifying and beloved character of the University.

While a mascot is typically an animal, person or object chosen to represent a university and bring good luck, Rufus — like all OHIO students — goes beyond the norms. Rufus sets the standard for authenticity, by marching to the funky beat of the Marching 110 drummers. An engaged member of the OHIO community, Rufus is always eager to share a purrrfect smile, regal wave, high five and the warmest hugs imaginable. 

Who Can Be a Mascot at Ohio University?

Ohio University students can audition to join the mascot team to represent Ohio University as Rufus. The team operates within the Athletics Sales and Marketing department, and interested students may contact them for more information.

The mascot team is typically made up of 4-6 performers at a time, and they strive to keep the team small and collaborative. When the team does hold auditions, they meet one-on-one with candidates to get a sense of their personality and physicality. Then, candidates spend two days experiencing both sides of the role: serving as mascot attendant and performing as Rufus.

Senior team members work closely with first-year students to help them learn Rufus's walk, signature mannerisms and how to fully embody the character before their first event. While it's not a formal requirement, mascot team members try to conceal their identities until they are formally revealed after graduation on the @rufusthebobcat Instagram account.

First Woman To Be a Bobcat Mascot

Historically, Mr. Bobcat was required to be a male student living in Lincoln Hall and could not be taller than 5'11", and the performers' identities were kept a secret. 

In 1995, determined students appealed University administrators, met with Lincoln Hall Council members, and rallied support from other students to open the audition process to all students across campus, including women. Dana (Hudson) Kelly, BSC '99, made Bobcat history when she was selected for one of the two open Bobcat positions.