the texas state bobcats are the sports teams that represent texas state university. currently, they compete in the sun belt conference in ncaa division i (football bowl subdivision for football). the bobcat has been the mascot of texas state university since 1921, when the university adopted the name from the recommendation of a committee formed to raise school spirit. smaller than mountain lions, bobcats are known for their stubborn fierceness and great courage. the football squad used the bobcat for the first time in 1921 and went undefeated with a 7–0 season. texas state had several officially recognized live bobcat mascots until the 1970s. in 1964, the texas state bobcat was given the official name of "boko" by beth greenlees, a sophomore from luling, texas, who beat out about 100 other students in a "name the bobcat" contest. her winning submission earned her a $5 prize and the honor of being the person who named the texas state mascot. boko has twice been named “usa national champion” mascot. texas state had no official fight song until 1961, when paul yoder was commissioned to compose "go bobcats." the song is the rousing "call to arms" for all texas state athletic games and competition.