Introducing Nicole Hurley and John Sutay…aka Cocky! Congratulations on your accomplishments and thank you for bringing the Gamecock spirit to life.

The University of South Carolina (USC) is home to one of the most vibrant and passionate student bodies in the nation. Every corner of campus exudes energy, pride, and excitement, but nothing quite captures the essence of the Gamecock spirit like the mascot itself – Cocky. For decades, this feathered figure has been a symbol of courage, pride, and unwavering dedication to the University of South Carolina. However, behind every great mascot is an even greater individual, and in this case, those individuals are Nicole Hurley and John Sutay. Together, they have brought Cocky to life in a way that transcends mere costume and performance. Their passion, commitment, and boundless energy have elevated the Gamecock experience to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the USC community.

Before we dive into the story of Nicole and John, it’s important to understand the significance of Cocky. The mascot isn’t just a symbol on the sidelines of football games or at basketball events. Cocky embodies the heart and soul of Gamecock pride. Whether it’s leading cheers, engaging with fans, or motivating athletes, the mascot plays a vital role in rallying support and representing the university.

Cocky’s presence is felt everywhere – from the packed Williams-Brice Stadium on football Saturdays to the student section at Colonial Life Arena during basketball games. The energy Cocky brings is contagious, sparking enthusiasm among Gamecock fans and helping to create an electric atmosphere in every corner of USC’s sporting venues. But behind Cocky’s feathery facade is a dedicated individual who works tirelessly to ensure that the mascot’s performance is always top-notch.

Nicole Hurley and John Sutay are the dynamic duo who, for years, have brought Cocky to life. Their journey with the mascot began as part of a longstanding tradition at USC, where students audition for the role of Cocky. Becoming Cocky is no easy feat – it requires physical stamina, a strong understanding of the Gamecock spirit, and an ability to engage with fans and players alike. Nicole and John not only excelled in these areas, but they also added their own unique flair, making their renditions of Cocky unforgettable.

Nicole Hurley’s story is one of dedication, passion, and a love for the Gamecock community that has been a driving force in her life. Growing up in a Gamecock family, Nicole was no stranger to the energy and excitement that surrounded USC sports. From an early age, she attended games, cheered on the team, and fell in love with the Gamecock spirit.

Her journey to becoming Cocky was one that involved a deep commitment to performance and a genuine desire to represent USC in the best way possible. Nicole was no stranger to performing in front of large crowds – she had a background in dance and theatre, and her energy and enthusiasm were infectious. When the opportunity to audition for Cocky presented itself, Nicole knew that it was the perfect way to combine her love of performance with her passion for the university.

Nicole’s tenure as Cocky was marked by her boundless energy and her ability to connect with fans on a personal level. Whether she was leading the student section in a cheer, performing complex dance routines, or simply engaging with young fans at community events, Nicole brought a level of enthusiasm and charisma that made her stand out. Her performances were always well-received, and she quickly became a fan favorite.

What set Nicole apart as Cocky wasn’t just her physicality or her performance skills – it was her deep connection to the Gamecock community. She understood that Cocky wasn’t just a character; Cocky was a symbol of unity, pride, and strength for all Gamecock fans. Nicole embraced this responsibility with grace and enthusiasm, and it showed in everything she did.

In addition to her performances at games, Nicole was also an ambassador for USC, appearing at events and community outreach programs. She took her role as Cocky seriously and used it as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. Whether it was visiting local schools or attending charity events, Nicole was always ready to spread Gamecock spirit and serve as a role model for young fans.

John Sutay, also known as “Cocky,” brought his own unique qualities to the role, creating a powerful partnership with Nicole. John’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and a love for USC that runs deep. He, too, was raised in a Gamecock family and had a lifelong affinity for the university. When the opportunity to audition for the role of Cocky arose, John jumped at the chance to represent his beloved university in a way that was both exciting and meaningful.

John’s background in athletics and his commitment to fitness made him an ideal candidate for the physically demanding role of Cocky. Mascots have to be agile, strong, and able to engage in high-energy performances for extended periods. John excelled in these areas, bringing a level of athleticism and vitality to the mascot that made him stand out from the crowd. His performances were always filled with excitement, and he knew exactly how to get the crowd cheering, whether it was during a timeout at a basketball game or at a pep rally before a big football game.

But what truly made John a standout Cocky was his genuine love for the Gamecock community. Like Nicole, John understood the significance of his role. Cocky was more than just a figure in a suit – Cocky was a symbol of everything USC stood for: pride, spirit, and resilience. John took this responsibility seriously and always strived to embody these values in every appearance he made. Whether it was engaging with fans at a tailgate or performing stunts at a football game, John’s commitment to excellence was unwavering.

One of John’s greatest strengths as Cocky was his ability to connect with people. Mascots are often seen as larger-than-life characters who can entertain crowds, but John’s approach to his role was personal. He made it a point to interact with fans, especially young children, in a way that made them feel like they were part of something special. His interactions were always filled with warmth and kindness, and he went out of his way to make sure that every fan, regardless of age, left an event with a smile on their face.

John’s impact on the USC community was immeasurable. His time as Cocky not only enhanced the Gamecock spirit but also helped to create lasting memories for fans and students alike. His performances were legendary, and his dedication to his role left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of seeing him in action.

While Nicole and John brought their own individual talents to the role of Cocky, it was their partnership that truly made them an unstoppable duo. Together, they elevated the Gamecock spirit to new heights, and their combined efforts created a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

Their collaboration wasn’t just about performing together at games – it was about understanding the essence of Cocky and working in harmony to bring that essence to life. Whether they were dancing, cheering, or interacting with fans, their chemistry and shared passion for USC were evident in everything they did. As Cocky, Nicole and John were able to seamlessly blend their individual styles and strengths, creating a performance that was greater than the sum of its parts.

What made their partnership so special was their ability to complement each other. Nicole’s background in dance and performance meshed perfectly with John’s athleticism and energy. Together, they could tackle any challenge that came their way, from leading a raucous cheer in the stands to performing a complex routine during a halftime show. Their commitment to making every performance memorable was clear, and their unwavering enthusiasm set the standard for what it meant to be Cocky.

Moreover, Nicole and John’s friendship and mutual respect were key to their success. They supported each other both on and off the field, creating a positive and collaborative environment that was essential for the mascot’s success. Their ability to work together as a team helped them create a powerful and lasting impact on the USC community, ensuring that Cocky would be a beloved figure for generations to come.

Nicole Hurley and John Sutay’s time as Cocky has left a lasting mark on the University of South Carolina. Their energy, passion, and commitment to the Gamecock community have helped to shape the mascot’s legacy and ensure that it will continue to inspire and unite Gamecock fans for years to come.

As the faces behind Cocky, Nicole and John brought something truly special to the role – a deep love for USC, a tireless work ethic, and a commitment to making every fan feel a part of the Gamecock family. They didn’t just perform; they embodied the Gamecock spirit, and their efforts will never be forgotten.

Their contributions have helped cement Cocky as more than just a mascot – Cocky is a symbol of the heart and soul of USC. And for that, Nicole and John deserve a standing ovation. Congratulations to both for everything they’ve achieved and for the incredible impact they’ve had on the USC community. The Gamecock spirit lives on through them, and for that, we are all forever grateful.