Rhett is the official costumed mascot of the Boston University (BU) and the Boston University Academy (BUA)Terriers and has been the BU mascot since 1922.[1] The often snarling, bi-pedal black and white Boston Terrier was named after the male lead in Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, because "No one loves Scarlett more than Rhett" referencing Rhett Butler's affection for Scarlett O'Hara (scarlet is BU's primary color). In recent years Rhett has frequented Boston University games, events, and dining halls wearing his scarlet and white double-zero hockey jersey. Other outfits include a basketball jersey and a referee uniform (typically worn during the short youth hockey games that take place during ice hockey intermissions). However, he is also known to enjoy wearing his scarlet superhero cape when the occasion presents itself. Like all mascots, Rhett and the Terrier logo are ubiquitous at athletic events. The Terriers play varsity Division I intercollegiate sports in ten men's and twelve women's programs. Rhett's arch nemesis is Baldwin, the Boston College eagle.
Rhett has participated in several ESPN "This is SportsCenter" commercials[2] and competed three times in the Universal Cheerleading Association's mascot nationals, placing as high as fourth in 2002. He was also named an All-American in 1996 and "Boston's Top Mascot" in 1998.
In 2006, BU's athletic logo featuring Rhett was altered slightly during a department-wide rebranding. Rhett's mascot character also received a makeover, favoring more cartoonish characteristics.[3]
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