FAU Mascot: Owlsley Burrows

As some of you may know, FAU has had its fair share of ups and downs when it comes to finding the perfect mascot. First it was a big-beaked, half-yellow, half-blue mascot that only seemed to resemble an owl.

Then FAU unveiled a slightly better version that seemed to barely resemble a mascot. It was a man in a football uniform with wings over his arms and a giant angry owl head.

FAU finally got it right when it picked the Owlsley Burrows of today. But did you ever wonder who is behind all that school spirit? According to FAU, that information is highly classified. Fortunately, I was able to sit down with the man under the suit.

The current mascot is quite an entertainer. This dancing machine said he got his start when a few FAU cheerleaders saw him dancing. The student behind the mask said, "A few friends of mine knew I could dance and suggested to the cheer coaches that they check me out. They saw me dance and offered me the job on the spot."

After being the mascot for only a year, he went to compete in a nationwide competition against hundreds of other mascots in Tennessee. Owlsley's skills were put to the test against other school mascots who had been doing it for three or more years. "The competition tested creativity, humor, enthusiasm, as well few others. I was rated superior in all categories and even placed third overall."

Compliments of FAU Owl TV, here is a blooper reel of Owlsley giving a campus tour.

According to FAU here are some facts about Owl Spirit:

• Colors: Red and Blue
• Mascot: Burrowing Owl (fun fact)
• Alma Mater
• Fight Song
• Shula Bowl: Traditional football game played every season against rival team, FIU.
• Spirit Group: The prOWLers (football) and the Dirty Birds (basketball)