BYU NewsNet - A Look Behind Cosmo's Mask

Mime. Movie star. Mascot.

However you classify him, Cosmo has been a lasting symbol of Brigham Young University athletics since 1953.

But how well do you really know Cosmo?

Did you know the Cosmo suit has been worn by former BYU president Earnest L. Wilkinson and former football coach LaVell Edwards? Or that Cosmo underwent a major reconstructive surgery after a hunting accident in 1997?

Cosmo is one of the most popular mascots in the country and regularly participates in the Capitol One Mascot Challenge. He's currently ranked 10th. He also regularly participates in non-athletic events, such as fundraisers, birthday parties and wedding receptions, just to name a few.

Cosmo has a lot going on, but he graciously set aside a few minutes earlier this week to sit down with the Daily Universe and explain (through an interpreter, because Cosmo doesn't talk) some of the rigors, demands and benefits of being one of the most recognizable figures in Provo.

MP: What is your main purpose?

Cosmo: I just try to add excitement and energy to an already exciting atmosphere at the games. Also, during any down times in the games, such as time outs or halftime, I'm there to entertain the fans and make sure they're having a fun time.

MP: What is the hardest part of being Cosmo?

Cosmo: A lot comes with it. It's a really hectic schedule, because appearances come at random times during the day. I'll walk kids to school at 6:30 a.m. and sometimes I do fundraisers like "Rock the Block" that go until 2 or 3 a.m. It takes dedication because of the random scheduling. Sometimes I get calls the day of an event and have to drop everything in my personal life and do that.

MP: Does Cosmo have a favorite sport?

Cosmo: Football's where it's at. It's a really exciting atmosphere, and the energy in the stadium can't be matched, especially when I come running out of the tunnel after the movie in between the third and fourth quarters.

MP: Do you ever get tired of being enthusiastic and friendly?

Cosmo: Nope. Even if it's the longest day imaginable, I never get tired or upset by fans trying to give me high five. I try to keep a good attitude, even if our teams aren't doing too well or I've had a long day.

MP: How many consecutive push-ups can you do?

Cosmo: As many as the football team can score.

MP: Any embarrassing moments?

Cosmo: Way too many. I feel really bad when I'm messing with someone and don't see that they have a thing of nachos on the ground that I'll accidentally step in. Or I'll accidentally knock someone's drink all over them. It happens every once in a while. I'm a big cat without the greatest peripheral vision.

MP: Any bad experiences with fans?

Cosmo: The only fan interaction that has really gotten scary is with Ute fans. Being a mascot, I get really passionate about in-the-moment stuff, especially at games. When you have a fan lipping off, it's easy to jokingly insult the other team, but a lot of times it doesn't exactly come across as a joke as much as an insult. I've had some pretty heated stare-downs with some Ute fans.

MP: Do you have any pet-peeves?

Cosmo: People not wearing blue to the games. Or even worse, wearing red.

MP: What are your thoughts on the BCS?

Cosmo: You know, the BCS will take care of itself. It's one of those things where there is a system set up and all you can do is your part. When it comes to things with voting, without any sort of playoff, you can only do what you can and then fate will take care of itself.

MP: What do you think of BYU fans in general?

Cosmo: They're great. No other team in this nation travels as well to away games as BYU fans, and that's a very impressive thing. We have the best fans. Our fanatics are great. Our general student section is pretty good. Every once in a while there are people who are there to socialize and show up in red or green shirts. Those are the ones that I love to mess with. I still love them even though they might be wearing the wrong color. I just make sure they know to dress appropriately the next time.