Former UT head cheerleader Harley Clark introduced the “hook ‘em horns” hand sign to Longhorn fans in 1955.
Harley Clark, the man credited with inventing the most widely recognized hand sign in college football died peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at his ranch outside of Austin, Texas. Clark is survived by his wife Patti, and four children.
After graduating from the University of Texas Clark went on to be an attorney and District Court judge. During his time on the bench he issued landmark decision regarding public school finance.
Texas fans show it during the signing of the “Eyes of Texas” before and after games, and there’s seldom a touchdown where a player doesn’t flash it for the cameras. Longhorns opponents liked to use it just as often, turning the signal upside down in a mocking gesture.
The sign even reached the White House. It caused a Scandinavian scandal in 2005 when President George W. Bush and his daughter Jenna, a Texas graduate, flashed the sign during Bush’s inauguration parade. A Norwegian newspaper interpreted it as a sign saluting Satan.
Read the full story: Creator of “Hook ‘em Horns” sign Harley Clark dead
