Reunited: Mascot’s kidnapped lover brought home from BYU
Betty Blue, one of Utah State University’s mascots, is now safe at home after being kidnapped from the football field following the USU vs. BYU game Oct. 4.
The female version of the Aggie bull, which is stuffed with Styrofoam and broomsticks, was found hanging from a pedestrian overpass on the BYU campus Tuesday at about 2 a.m.
Officer Joe Huish of USU Police said one of his BYU counterparts spotted two guys hauling a large object.
“He thought they were going to chuck something off [the overpass],” he said.
The officer teamed up with a co-worker and approached the individuals, who fled. They got away.
“It is still unknown if it was BYU people or Aggie people,” Huish said.
Betty had a rope tied around her waist. The rope was attached to a bucket full of rocks, which was anchoring her to the overpass.
“It didn’t hang there long enough to make a statement,” Huish said.
The mascot has since been returned to Big Blue.
“I’m just really excited she’s back,” Blue said. “She does have some injuries, but I’m sure with a little physical therapy, she’ll be OK.”
Blue said he had a chat with his girlfriend about her experiences as a captive.
“She said Cosmo [the BYU mascot] stole her,” he said. “He’s been having trouble getting a woman.”
Betty had only been a part of the USU cheerleading squad for two games before being kidnapped. She would have cost around $3,000 to replace.
Linda Zimmerman, cheer adviser, said since there are no serious injuries to the costume, it is easier to laugh at the incident.
“I definitely think it was just kind of a joke,” she said.
Huish said, “We’d still like to know who did it.”
If apprehended, the perpetrators could be charged with a third-degree felony, he said.
-amarie@cc.usu.edu