Temoc

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Temoc the Comet

Temoc is the name of the official mascot of the sports teams of the University of Texas at Dallas, known as the Comets. The name was chosen by the UTD Student Government Association in 2002. "Temoc" was crafted by spelling the word "comet" backwards. The mascot was originally named "Blaze" but the university was forced to change names due to possible copyright infringements with another organization. ^[1]

Temoc attends many of the UTD home sporting events, supporting the soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and other teams. He often works with the UTD cheerleaders and the Power Dancers dance team. Auditions are held once a year for students to wear the Temoc costume. Students compete for the honor of wearing the costume, and the human identity of the mascot is a secret.

After a vote by students, faculty, staff and alumni in 2007, UTD decided to eliminate the Temoc character, while keeping the Comets as the school's mascot. The new character/embodiment of the mascot is planned to debut in August 2008.^[2] April 3, 2008 was designated "Temoc's Final Birthday at UTD".^[3]

[edit] Appearance

The character of Temoc (then known as Blaze) was created in 1998 and first drawn by student Aaron Aryanpur. Temoc is depicted as a blue-skinned, fiery red-headed smiling comet in human form. Many have drawn a comparison of Temoc to a "giant flaming sperm."^[4]