WuShock's popularity has resulted in good news and bad news.

The good news for the Wichita State University mascot is that, in less than a year, WuShock's friends on Facebook have risen from about 500 to 5,000 friends. The bad news is that Facebook doesn't allow more than 5,000 friends per year.

WuShock took the news in stride, pointing out that he considers everyone in the city of Wichita and Sedgwick County as his close personal friend.

"I enjoy having so many friends, but I'm disappointed that Facebook restricts users to no more than a 5,000-friend connection," said WuShock.

As of spring 2008, there were 70 million active Facebook users, but fewer than 1,000 users had 5,000 friends.

In light of the 5,000 limit, Wu is thinking about setting up a fan page on Facebook, which would allow more friends. In the meantime, people can become a fan of Wichita State University.

Maize High School freshman Gabby White was honored today (Monday, May 18) as friend No. 5,000 on WuShock's Facebook account. White received a gift bag from WuShock containing a variety of Shocker attire —a shirt, pom pon, foam finger, car sticker, lanyard, key chain, mug, Frisbee and a special WuShock hat.

While WuShock is regularly seen cheering for the Shockers at home sporting events, WSU's mascot has been seen a lot around the Wichita area this past year. In the past month, WuShock ran in the Wichita River Festival River Run. He also has been seen at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

WuShock ran well in the 2-mile run, but admitted, "I enjoyed taking time for some hugs and pictures with many of my friends."

Wu's presence on the Internet and actions in the community are well-known on the cult Web site http://whereswu.com/.

Last November, WuShock's 60th birthday party was celebrated at a WSU basketball game in Charles Koch Arena with about 10,000 of his closest friends.

WuShock also is a regular fixture on TV and around Wichita.

Although WuShock has maxed out on Facebook friends, WuShock continues to participate in other social media, such as Twitter.