This is a sponsored interview in partnership with Tecovas.
Dream job alert: Ricky Brennes is the executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, which means he’s in charge of Bevo, the University of Texas’ mascot. We sat down with Brennes to learn more about his work.
What exactly is your job?
“All things Bevo. So, anywhere from the training of the students, to the logistics, to the marketing. Bevo now raises money for the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, which is for kids in economically disadvantaged areas, grades two through eight, to show them that college is an achievable goal. I'd say we, on average, probably provide about $200,000 a year to that program.”
What time does your day start for an average home game?
“I probably spend about 16 hours on the game. Our first game is a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. I reckon I'll probably leave the house around 5:30 a.m., head out to where Bevo is, and start getting things ready, make sure he's fed, and that our truck and trailer are ready.
We probably leave the ranch about four hours out from kickoff. We have a police escort to Darrell K. Royal [Texas Memorial Stadium]. Around three hours out from kickoff, we do the Bevo Blvd. parade, where we walk Bevo through the fans on Bevo Blvd. and we go into the stadium and start getting our stuff ready for the game.
We're probably on the field another hour or so after the game, waiting for the crowd to clear out before we get him in the truck and the trailer. He's probably back home around two hours after the game.”
Why does your work matter to Austin?
“There are kids in college and have graduated college that probably wouldn't have if it weren't for Bevo. He's really providing opportunities to kids that may not have those opportunities by funding that program.
It's remarkable how much he means to people, you know? I am always sure and quick to remind our students that what you're doing is important, and people remember their experience with Bevo, so you need to make sure that they walk away having a good experience.”
