Last weekend, the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame held their 2025 inductions. As previously mentioned, the 1999 Championship was a part of the ceremony.
One of the inductees was Tim Derk.
Tim Derk originated
the Spurs Coyote. For 21 years, he was the man behind the mask.
The Chicago native initially moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University, where he earned a business degree. A few years after graduation, Derk had immersed himself in the city through local theater and commercial work. He was approached by the Spurs ad agency in an effort to create the now famed mascot.
The Coyote was first introduced on April 13, 1983. The claim to fame included numerous comedy routines, including dancing and acrobatics. Best known for his stage antics, such as riding a unicycle, pulling his eyes off, dribbling a ball with his feet or spinning a ball on a pen, The Coyote has gone on to be one of the most celebrated NBA mascots.
During his tenure, Derk, appeared in over 1,100 games. He made over 4,000 community appearances.
In 2004, Derk suffered a massive stroke. He spent six weeks in intensive care. Six months after stepping down from his role as the Spurs mascot, Derk was named Manager of Mascot Development by Spurs Sports & Entertainment.
So why is his name not as common among Spurs fans? For years, his identity was kept under wraps. Relatively few people knew the identity of The Coyote. After his health crisis, he was encouraged by his loved ones to reveal himself as a way to connect with the community that loved and adored the man inside the costume.
He has since stayed with the Spurs Organization in the role of Assistant Manager of Internal Communications, teaching the history and culture of the Spurs to new hires.
“It’s kind of funny to think I spent 21 years working and not saying a single word, and now all I do is talk with people.“
In 2006, Derk released, Hi Mom, Send Sheep: My Life As The Coyote And After, chronicling his story.
In 2007, The Coyote was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame.
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