For Andy Spencer and Deanna Pratt, Baylor pride is a family tradition. From the first Mr. Bear to the debut of Marigold, this father-daughter duo helped shape the legacy of Baylor’s beloved mascots, one bear suit at a time.

“One of the early leaders of the Dr Pepper Museum was a Baylor alumnus,” Summar-Smith said. “He was a Dr Pepper drinker for many years, Wilton Lanning. So I think Waco has a lot of identity in Dr Pepper and a lot of identity in Baylor, and so they’re just a natural partnership.”

Mystery and secrecy may not be the first words that come to mind when watching Bruiser and Marigold hype up a crowd of green and gold. However, there is a team of people and hours of practice going on behind the scenes to prepare for their appearance.