We might have a live Bull roaming the sidelines...

[achiever1911]

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/28/Columns/With_a_bull_in_mind__.shtml

With a bull in mind, he's more than halfway to a real Rocky

By ERNEST HOOPER, Times Columnist

Published June 28, 2006

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For years, the University of South Florida has solicited donations from John Masaro, who owns four Beef 'O' Brady's franchises in Tampa, Seminole and Crystal River.

He loves his alma mater and enjoys giving. For the last year, however, Masaro has wanted to give USF a bigger gift.

A 2,500-pound gift.

The vision gives Masaro goose bumps. In a packed Raymond James Stadium, a registered gray brahma bull would sit in full view of fans, raising spirits and possibly raising money for the school through sponsors.

Yes, the Chick-fil-A cow mascots would be leery, and the guy who dresses up as Rocky might get jealous. Still, nothing can temper Masaro's excitement.

"My idea for a donation was to give something that would give for years," Masaro said Tuesday. "This is far more than I could give them in a gift. This bull would have a legacy forever."

The idea remains unfulfilled, but Masaro is closer than ever to making his vision a reality. He has tentative approval from the school, sponsors willing to help cover a number of costs and, most importantly, he has a bull.

Rocky resides in Riverview under the care of rancher Robert Newsome. Masaro offered to buy the bull, but Newsome said he would donate Rocky if Masaro succeeds.

If Masaro has his way, students in the agricultural department at Durant High would care for Rocky, much like they do other livestock. In fact, both Masaro and USF associate athletic director Tom Veit said they want to make sure that the animal receives the utmost care.

However, there is more to be done. Masaro and school officials have to clear up a number of issues for Rocky to roam the sidelines like the University of Colorado's buffalo, Ralphie, and the University of Texas' longhorn steer, Bevo.

At Texas, Bevo roams in a corral behind the end zone. Masaro, however, would love it if a group of handlers could race across USF's field with the bull, similar to Colorado's handling of Ralphie.

Veit said the bull won't be at the season opener, but he's hopeful that Rocky will become a fixture at home games.

"It's another thing that gives us an opportunity to create a tradition," Veit said. "We think we're going to get this done. We're going to plant the seed and see where this takes us."

Although Masaro envisioned Rocky as a potential fundraiser, he said for now, school officials have asked him to create a nonprofit organization that could simply cover the costs. There also are safety and liability concerns to resolve.

"School officials may be a little bit nervous, and I think we're all a little bit nervous, but we're excited about it," said Masaro, who grew up in a cattle and dairy family in Brandon. "We're taking a big leap, but we're trying to do this by surrounding ourselves with great people.

"I think the school is moving in the right direction, and I think they know the bull is the right thing to do. They just want us to find the right way to do it."

Masaro's enthusiasm for the project is palpable and, in some ways, contagious. It led Newsome to donate the bull, and it has led to a number of other allies.

"Friends say, 'Why are you spending so much time on this?' " Masaro said. "It's my passion. I want to make my mark. I've been very fortunate in business, and the community has been great to me.

"This is my way of giving back."

Masaro gave special credit to County Commissioner Brian Blair, who he said has helped him further the idea. Although challenges lie ahead, Masaro is confident that some day USF fans will have more than cheerleaders for inspiration.

"You know how when MacDill has fighter jets fly over the stadium and there's a quick, loud thunderous roar?" Masaro said. "That's what the bull would do. It gives me chills."

That's all I'm saying.

[flsportsfan83]

I'm pumped up. We need a Bull.

[deathrow95]

 You don't run with a 2,500 pound animal he runs you.  A Bull that size goes where he wants to.  They generaly don't like loud noise and shy away from large groups. The problem is that you need to raise a Bull from birth to like people and stand the loud noises of a stadium.  Baring that the whole thing could be a disaster.  Although the first time someone gets gorged we would make national news.  Other than that its a great idea.

[bullman3]

This would be an awesome thing to have.  This sort of thing is what college football is all about.  Funny how there was no mention of the TSA or glaysores supporting the idea.  And we certainly wouldnt want rocky to get tazered for being on the field.  

[TyBull]

Excellent....

[NAM37]

I love the idea... the TSA will NEVER allow the bull on the field tho..

[StandingBull]

How cool is thattttttttttt..now where talking a college town/program

[BULLfreak]

I love the idea... the TSA will NEVER allow the bull on the field tho..

F the TSA  >

[McNeese72]

Cool if it happens before the first game!!

We will pack the branding irons.    

Doc

[___ Eats It]

 Although the first time someone gets gorged we would make national news.  Other than that its a great idea.

Can we make O'Leary wear red that day?  ;-)