Hook 'em Horns

1962. The “Hook ‘em Horns” Salute Rallies a Cotton Bowl Crowd.

Head cheerleader Harley Clark introducted the legendary “Hook ‘em Horns” sign, symbolic of the University's Longhorn mascot, in 1955. He got the idea from colleague Henry Pitts, who was casting shadows on the wall at the Texas Union. Clark showed an enthusiastic student body the sign a few nights later at a Gregory Gym football pep rally. It was an instant hit — by the thousands, students extended and arm to create the now famous salute. The next day, at the Texas vs. TCU football game, Clark stood in awe as the “Hook ‘em Horns” gesture surged from one side of the stadium to the other.

Previously: Big Bertha
Next: Running of the Texas Flag

Download the Texas Traditions screensaver: Mac | Windows

Photo originally published in the 1962 Cactus yearbook; colorized by Jason Graham