Otto first appeared on the Syracuse sidelines in the early ’80s and became the Orange’s official mascot in 1995. Students rallied to support Otto in 1995 after a University committee recommended a wolf be adopted. Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw scrapped the wolf and embraced the fun-loving orange.

With their bright orange exterior and contagious energy, Otto has been the pride and joy of Syracuse fans since the early 1980s. Since Otto’s debut, more than 100 team members have taken on the role of Otto, with the goal of “bringing joy to the orange community every day.” Here are a few key aspects of Otto’s character: