Buzz (mascot)

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Buzz is the official mascot for the Georgia Institute of Technology.

[edit] Tradition

Buzz is usually represented as a stylized yellowjacket with yellow-and-black fur, white wings, a yellow head, and antennae. He is almost never drawn with six legs, but rather with arms, legs, hands (in white gloves) and feet (in black Converse high tops), like a human. Like many mascots, Buzz communicates via hand gestures and sign language, rather than speech.

At some school events, there are a few people who dress up as Buzz. The identities of these individuals must be kept secret until their graduation.^[1] They must be in excellent physical condition, about 5'8" tall, and (preferably) be able to do a front flip, Buzz's trademark move. Those interested in donning the Buzz suit must take part in a three day tryout camp, judged by the former Buzz.

Buzz is beloved by Georgia Tech students and fans for his spirit and antics. He is a prankster, crowd-surfer, and general fun-loving character who is great with the ladies. Buzz is seen at football games, basketball games, Georgia Tech Six Flags Night, and other events. Buzz has parachuted onto the field for pre-game festivities, does push-ups every time Tech scores, and conducts the band for the Budweiser song, a common jingle for the beer. Buzz is involved with charity events, team photos, sports conventions, and official Georgia Tech events such as the annual President’s Dinner. Buzz can also be hired for social gatherings, such as weddings and birthday parties.^[1]

[edit] History

As far as can be determined, the first reference to Tech students as "Yellow Jackets" appeared in the Atlanta Constitution in 1906 and came into common usage at that time. Buzz was developed later based upon that nickname.

The original Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket mascot was Judi McNair who, according to the Winter 2004 edition of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association Tech Topics magazine, donned a homemade yellowjacket costume in 1972 and performed at home football games.^{[citation needed]} She rode on the Ramblin' Wreck and appears in the 1972 Georgia Tech Blueprint yearbook. McNair's mascot was considered a great idea, as it was a big hit with the fans.

In 1979 McNair's idea for a Yellow Jacket was reintroduced by another Georgia Tech student, Richie Bland. Bland, who was apparently unaware of McNair's prior initiative, paid $1,400 to have a local theme park costume designer make a yellowjacket costume that he first wore at a pep rally prior to the Tennessee football game. Rather than obtain permission from Georgia Tech as Judi had done in 1972, this student, a few weeks later simply snuck onto the field in costume during a football game and ran across the field. The fans naturally believed that this costumed character was acting as an official member of the cheerleading squad and responded accordingly. By 1980 this new incarnation of the yellow jacket mascot was given the name Buzz Bee and was adopted as an official mascot by Georgia Tech.^[2]

[edit] References