Hootie the Owl

Oregon Tech’s owl mascot hatched out of a papier-mâché egg at the start of a football game in 1980 and became known as Hootie the Owl in 2000. Whether it’s high-flying stunts such as skydiving and ziplining, Owl-electrifying dance and acrobatic skills, becoming an honorary Dutch Bros employee, or pie-ing the university president in the face, this bird is the ultimate student supporter and supplier of silliness.

When not working out or cheering on teams, Hootie participates in local events such as “Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads,” which promotes literacy by providing new books to hundreds of second graders, and Graduation Motivation, an annual event that encourages high school students to graduate. Hootie has even lobbied at the Oregon State Capitol to help fund higher education and once became an honorary Speaker of the House for the day. 
Hootie attends many local events and makes occasional appearances traveling across the country. Does Hootie always bring the party? AbsoHOOTly!

Fun Facts:

• Prior to Hootie, Oregon Tech had several owl mascots, including a live owl and a rally head nicknamed “Otis.”
• The bird costume was the brainchild of Nancy Cox, Executive Assistant to President Wolf, who served as first caretaker of the costume, even taking it home to provide birdbath cleanings.
• Hootie has sported many different looks throughout the years, most recently in 2023.
• The student section at Oregon Tech athletics events is called “Hootie’s Hooligans.”
• Hootie’s celebrity idol is John Cena, a professional actor and World Wrestling Entertainment persona.