Sept. 5, 2006

Watch Rufus' Introduction

ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio University unveiled its new mascot, Rufus, during a ceremony prior to the Bobcats' victory over Tennessee-Martin on Saturday, Sept. 2. The ceremony began with a video of the mascot interacting with football team members and Head Coach Frank Solich culminating with Rufus roaring into Peden Stadium on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

More than 500 people submitted nominations for the name of the new Bobcat in May. Fans then participated in a naming contest on www.ohiobobcats.com from June through August, selecting Rufus as the official name of the new Bobcat mascot.

Rufus was a popular choice for many Ohio fans because Lynx rufus is the species name the bobcat. Other fans noted its connection with Rufus Putnam, who presided over the meeting to form the Ohio Company of Associates that resulted in the founding of Ohio University. Putnam was also on the first board of trustees at the University and was honored with the naming of Putnam Hall in 1926.

The new mascot costume allows Rufus the Bobcat a greater range of motion and mobility to interact with fans and participate in additional high energy activities. Visually, Rufus has a new athletic look that is more in line with the athletic department's "Attack Cat" logo.

The New Cat in Athens campaign and debut of Rufus the Bobcat completed a year long discussion and initiative involving many campus entities, including the Student Senate, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, alumni, Ohio Bobcat Club, faculty representatives, and the athletic department.