Then and Now

The History of GUS

1989 An easily recognizable University icon beloved by all Eagles’ fans, GUS has been a loyal member of the Eagle Nation dating back to the late 1970s. The mascot has slowly evolved over the decades, from costume design to the number of students filling the role. During the 1988-89 seasons, Leonard Bevil was the only official GUS. The former Georgia Southern linebacker assumed the role of the mascot after he was sidelined with an injury. “Representing the University as GUS was one of the highlights of my life,” said the president and CEO of Macon Occupational Medicine. Many of Bevil’s fondest memories occurred in Paulson Stadium. To the delight of fans, Bevil (in full costume) and former Eagle punter Terry Harvin would often high five in the middle of the field during a football game. As GUS, Bevil would roam the sidelines, sometimes rubbing Coach Erk Russell’s head. “One of my favorite memories happened when I was in the end zone. I returned the kick off from the opposing team and scored a touchdown. The fans went crazy!”

2013 Today, several full-time students are selected to assume the role of GUS after tryouts. “The tryout process includes an interview, storyboarding, pantomiming, improvisation and game day performance,” said Barry Munkasy, Ph.D., the cheerleading coach who supervises GUS’ on-field and on-court responsibilities. Selected students receive scholarships for the position and they are required to be in good academic standing. In addition to remaining anonymous, their main obligation is to make appearances representing the University. According to Gordon Hunter, director of athletics marketing at the University, GUS makes nearly 200 appearances a year, including all Eagles football games, other athletics events on campus and traveling to the NCA Mascot National Championships where he competes. One of the students who currently holds the role of GUS enjoyed acting in high school and thought trying out for the mascot position would be a fun and new way to continue that hobby. “When I’m in the suit, I’m GUS, and GUS doesn’t talk, so it wasn’t very difficult to get used to that,” he said. “Once you put on the suit, it’s easy to just interact with hand signals.” While the student enjoys attending athletics events and interacting with crowds and fans, the best thing about being GUS is “that you get to embody the University itself. You’re one of the biggest figureheads of the school, and one of the most well-known figures, so it’s just really cool to represent the school. – Crissie Elrick