Throwback photos: The evolution of Wisconsin's Bucky Badger over the years
- Teryl Franklin
- Updated
Bucky Badger wasn't always Bucky. And he wasn't always huggable, either. Scroll on for a history in photographs of one of the best mascots in college athletics.
Live badger mascot, 1910
The University of Wisconsin started using a badger as its mascot in the late 1800s around the time when intercollegiate football began. It reflected Wisconsin's nickname as the "Badger state," so named because of the prevalence of southwestern Wisconsin lead miners who had to burrow into hillsides for shelter in the winter – like badgers do. In the early years, UW used a live badger mascot at games, like the one here in this photo from 1910. They found, however, that the animals weren't always as lovable as they may have looked.
UW-Madison archivesPlayers with the mascot, 1940s
Three Wisconsin football players, above, consult with their live badger mascot in the 1940s. The live badger (it had no name back then) was used for a while, until it was deemed unsafe for players and fans. The badger, who sometimes got away from its handlers, was retired to Madison's Vilas Zoo. In the photo here, the badger is safely tucked in a cage but, if you look closely, you can see a sharp tooth and nails.
UW-Madison archivesRegdab the raccoon, 1948
George Holmes, the UW's student Homecoming Dance chairman and raccoon keeper, is seated in November 1948 with a young raccoon named "Regdab" (badger spelled backward), wearing a tiny UW sweater, on his shoulder. By this time, the live badger that had been used as a mascot in prior years was deemed unsafe and replaced briefly with the raccoon to try to find something tamer that still looked the part. (Photo taken by State Journal photographer Arthur M. Vinje.)
Wisconsin Historical Society Image 55447Papier-mache head, 1949
The current incarnation of Bucky got its start in 1940, when an illustrator sketched the likeness of an upright badger wearing a cardinal and white sweater. But the mascot wasn’t introduced on campus until 1949, when a cheerleader brought him to life. In the photo above, Bill Sachse, a UW-Madison business major and pep chairman, holds the chicken wire and papier-mache head of the very first Bucky Badger as UW-Madison cheerleader Bill Sagal puts on the head. Carolyn Conrad, an art student who designed the original Bucky head, touches up the red paint on his cheek.
UW-Madison archivesBecoming Bucky
Bucky also got his name in 1949. The mascot initially went by names like Benny, Buddy and Bouncey. But a contest was held that year to name him, and the winner was Buckingham U. Badger -- “Bucky,” for short. It was then that the papier-mache likeness was made. Even so, Bucky’s official birthday is considered Oct. 2, 1940, because of that original illustration and copyright. He's pictured above in 1955.
UW-Madison archivesFirst human Bucky, 1949
Bill Sagal, the first human Bucky Badger mascot, appears at a UW-Madison football game in 1949. Bucky was first introduced to the campus at a pep rally Nov. 11 of that year and then appeared at the next day's Homecoming game against Iowa. Sagal, then head cheerleader, wore his regular cheerleader trousers and sweater but added boxing gloves. (And yes, if you're wondering, Wisconsin beat Iowa 35-13.)
UW-Madison archivesTaxidermist makes Bucky for Rose Bowl, 1953
This 5-foot-tall animated Bucky Badger statue was sponsored by the Wisconsin Conservation Department to be sent to California for the 1953 Rose Bowl Tournament and Rose Parade. The figure was made by Karl Kahmann, a Hayward taxidermist. (Photo taken by State Journal photographer Arthur M. Vinje.)
Wisconsin Historical Society Image 36131Bucky the boxer, 1956
Bucky Badger sports boxing gloves in 1956. Boxing was an early theme for those playing the role of Bucky.
STATE JOURNAL ARCHIVESBucky in sweater, 1965
Bucky Badger wears a cardinal sweater that spells out "Wisconsin," rather than just a big "W," at a UW-Madison football game in 1965.
UW-MADISON ARCHIVESHugging Bucky, 1967
Bucky Badger has always balanced being tough and lovable. Here, he hugs a small child at a game in 1967.
UW-Madison archivesBucky with children, 1971
Cheerleaders pose with Bucky Badger and children at Camp Randall Stadium in 1971.
UW-Madison archivesBucky in the 1970s
Bucky Badger scrolls on the sidelines at a game in the 1970s.
L. Roger Turner, State Journal archviesBucky Wagon, 1978
Bucky Badger, joined by some UW cheerleaders, rides in the Bucky Wagon during the 1978 Homecoming parade.
Carolyn Pflasterer, State Journal archivesBucky and the band, 1950s
Bucky is pictured with the band in the 1950s.
UW-Madison archivesBucky in suit and tie, 1957
Bucky Badger, wearing a suit and tie, gets tapped on the nose by an unidentified man in 1957.
UW-Madison archivesBucky on a camel, 1960s
Bucky Badger rides a camel in the 1960s.
UW-Madison archivesBucky vs. Herky, 1965
Bucky Badger boxes with Herky the Hawk from University of Iowa in 1965.
UW-Madison archivesHugging Bucky, 1985
A cheerleader gets a hug from Bucky in 1985 during a snowy game.
UW-Madison archivesBucky and Tommy, 1980s
Bucky is next to former Gov. Tommy Thompson, seen raising his fist, in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
UW-Madison archivesBucky goes to school, 2003
Bucky Badger gets a running start as he low-fives students at C.H. Bird Elementary School in Sun Prairie on Dec. 12, 2003. He appeared to honor them for their exceptional charity work in the community.
John Maniaci, State Journal archivesBucky tops pyramid, 2006
Bucky Badger is on top of a pyramid Jan. 14, 2006, at the Kohl Center in Madison.
John Maniaci, State Journal archivesBucky on the Pier, 2011
Bucky does a handstand while warming up the crowd shortly before Party on the Pier in Santa Monica, Calif. on Dec. 31, 2011. Wisconsin fans were in town for the Rose Bowl.
M.P. King, State Journal archivesBucky on the move, 1990s
Bucky and then-Chancellor Donna Shalala help students move in sometime in the 1990s.
UW-Madison archivesBucky plays with fan, 2017
Wisconsin mascot Bucky Badger plays with a similarly-dressed young fan during the basketball team's open practice at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on March 15, 2017.
M.P. King, State Journal archives
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Bucky Badger performs a headstand after a Wisconsin touchdown against Minnesota on Saturday afternoon at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
BRANDON BERGB10 Wisconsin Michigan St Basketball
Wisconsin mascot Bucky Badger performs during the first half of Saturday's game against Michigan State in Indianapolis.
Michael Conroy, Associated PressLocations
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