Being TCU’s mascot, SuperFrog, is more than just performing tricks and cheering; it has become a lifestyle for some students. Those who don the costume experience college football from a unique vantage point, contributing to their overall university journey.
The TCU Spirit Department encompasses a range of roles, including student dancers, cheerleaders, and the beloved mascot SuperFrog. This character not only brings joy to university events but also resonates strongly with younger audiences. For the students who embody SuperFrog, the opportunity to represent their university is a significant part of the appeal.
Connor Beattie, who served as SuperFrog from 2021 to 2025, expressed, “It genuinely is an honor to represent the school and just be the face of the university for the short time that we have.” Chris Curtis, a former SuperFrog, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I felt like I was a part of the athletic department. I was as close to being involved in the sports teams as I could be.”
Chris Curtis was the first to wear the updated SuperFrog suit after it was introduced in 1979, replacing the previous mascot, Addie. The change was initiated by athletics promotion director John Grace, who sought to create a more dynamic representation of TCU in line with his marketing vision.
Reflecting on his time as SuperFrog, Curtis recounted how he was quickly thrust into the role after one of the original mascots violated mascot etiquette during a football game. “He went out on the field, acting like he was listening to their huddle and hollering over to our sideline, and they removed him,” Curtis recalled. This left a vacancy that he filled after auditioning for the position, which was a new concept at the time.
By the time Beattie arrived at TCU, SuperFrog was well-established, with his admissions counselor suggesting he try out for the role after he expressed interest in sports and dance. Initially hesitant, Beattie attended the audition and quickly found himself immersed in the experience, stating, “It started off as something that was zero interest, and then quickly became just my sole existence at TCU almost.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Beattie kept his identity secret while portraying SuperFrog. He believes that maintaining anonymity is crucial to preserving the mascot’s magic. “The best way that I can describe it is just ‘Disney movie magic,’” he said. “Once you know what happens behind the scenes, that’s all that you see, and the magic of SuperFrog is dead.”
As a squad captain, Beattie took it upon himself to communicate policies to ensure that incidents like the one that happened in 1979 wouldn’t repeat. He also established new tryout requirements, emphasizing the need for physical skills such as cartwheels and handstands.
SuperFrog’s primary engagements are at athletic events, with Beattie mentioning appearances at football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer games. He emphasized that SuperFrog attends every home game unless there is a scheduling conflict.
Even in the early days, Curtis noted that the mascot participated in more than just games, although the limited number of students in the suit restricted civic engagements. Recently, Curtis experienced a nostalgic moment as SuperFrog was invited to his son’s wedding, where he humorously considered sneaking away to re-enter the suit.
Both Beattie and Curtis’ backgrounds as athletes enhanced their performances as SuperFrog. Beattie, who participated in various sports, felt a connection to his childhood experiences when he ran out with the team. Curtis, a passionate sports fan, leveraged his basketball knowledge to engage with the crowd effectively, recalling a memorable moment when TCU’s basketball team earned the nickname “Killer Frogs.”
Both men reflect fondly on their time as SuperFrog, with Curtis expressing gratitude for his TCU experience and his involvement in alumni activities. The creativity they exhibited in the mascot role has carried into their professional lives. Curtis founded a successful marketing company, while Beattie found a marketing position at a corporate convenience store where he also serves as their mascot.
Both Curtis and Beattie share a fondness for animals, with Curtis identifying as a dog person and Beattie bonding with his family’s cattle and a former feral cat. They have only seen real horned lizards at the Fort Worth Zoo, with Beattie humorously stating, “I kind of prefer the giant, gray, spiky monster that we put on.”
