The University of Wisconsin–Madison boasts a rich history in American football, represented by the Wisconsin Badgers football program. Competing in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Big Ten Conference's West Division, the Badgers have been a prominent presence in college football since 1896.
They call Camp Randall Stadium home, one of the oldest college football stadiums. With over 700 victories, they are among the elite 26 programs. Notably, they have produced two Heisman Trophy winners and seen eleven former players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is known for its rich history, academic excellence, and deep-rooted passion for sports, especially football. When it comes to the Badgers, the first thing that comes to mind for many is the beloved Wisconsin Badgers mascot. But have you ever wondered just how many Bucky Badgers there are? Let's embark on a journey to unmask the Wisconsin Badgers mascot and uncover the secrets behind those furry paws.
Wisconsin Badgers Mascot
Bucky is the official mascot of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a fervent supporter of its athletic teams. When we think of the Wisconsin Badgers mascot, the iconic figure that comes to mind is Bucky Badger, short for Buckingham Ulysses "Bucky" Badger.
You can catch Bucky at various sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, softball, and even post-season tournaments. Bucky also participates in community events, parades, pep rallies, and other public relations functions. He's not just a mascot; he's a symbol of Badger pride.
The History of Bucky Badger
Bucky Badger has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1940s. The most recognizable version of Bucky, with the fierce expression and "W" varsity sweater, was created by Art Evans in 1940.
Initially, a live badger from Eau Claire appeared at football games, but its unruly nature led to its retirement and replacement with a raccoon named Regdab. Eventually, a papier-mâché Bucky headpiece was created, and the name "Buckingham U. Badger" was chosen through a contest.
Bucky has stood the test of time, even surviving a proposal to replace him with a cow named Henrietta Holstein. In 2006, Bucky was honored as a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame's College Division.
Numbers of Bucky Badgers in Team
Bucky is more than just one person; he's a team of dedicated individuals who don the iconic costume and bring the mascot to life.
The UW Spirit Squad holds tryouts each spring to select seven male students to become Bucky. Each Bucky carries a 35-pound head and must be between 5'10" and 6'2". These students undergo a rigorous selection process, ensuring that only the most passionate and qualified individuals become part of the Bucky Badger team.
Interestingly, UW-Milwaukee hosts a summer training camp where all Buckys from different colleges gather to learn the tricks of their trade. Some student-athletes embrace the role for one year, while others dedicate all four years of their college journey to representing Buckingham U. Badger.
Who is the First Bucky Badger in Wisconsin?
To add a touch of nostalgia, the honor of being the first costumed Bucky Badger goes to Billy Sagal. The original Bucky costume was revealed at a pep rally on November 11, 1949, ahead of the Homecoming game against Iowa, which Wisconsin won 35-13. Designed by UW art student Carolyn (Connie) Conrard, the original Bucky featured a head made of chicken wire and papier-mâché. Billy Sagal, then the head cheerleader, completed the look with boxing gloves. Thus, Bucky Badger made his debut, and the rest is history.
The enigmatic Bucky Badger is more than just a Wisconsin Badger mascot; he symbolizes tradition, pride, and unwavering support for the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While there may not be a single Bucky Badger as the Wisconsin Badgers mascot, there's a dedicated team of individuals who bring this beloved mascot to life, ensuring that Bucky remains an integral part of the Wisconsin Badgers' legacy.
FAQs on Bucky Badgers
A. The Wisconsin Badgers have a team of seven male students who take turns portraying Bucky Badger during the fall sports season.
A. The familiar image of Bucky Badger, with a fierce expression and "W" varsity sweater, was drawn by Art Evans in 1940.
A. Yes, in 2006, Bucky was inducted as a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame's College Division.
A. The name was chosen through a contest held in 1948 after a UW-Madison art student created a papier-mâché Bucky headpiece.
