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Bucky Badger
Badgers in various forms have been recognized as the school mascot for
decades. The version currently known as Bucky, sporting a cardinal and
white letter sweater, was first drawn in 1940 by artist Art Evans. At
that time, the badger went by names like Benny, Buddy, Bernie, Bobby and
Bouncey. Art Lentz, the department's publicity director, had the idea to
bring the mascot to life.
The original badger mascot was too vicious to control. On more than one
occasion, the live badger escaped handlers before a
 sideline hero
recaptured the animal with a flying tackle. It was decided in the
interest of fan and player safety that Wisconsin's mascot be retired to
the Madison Zoo. The Badger Yearbook replaced the live badger with a
small raccoon named Regdab (badger backwards) and passed it off as a
"badger in a racoon coat."
In 1949, a student in the university's art department, Connie Conrad,
was commissioned to mold a paper-mache badger head. Gymnast and
cheerleader, Bill Sagal, of Plymouth, Wis., was directed by homecoming
chair Bill Sachse, to wear the outfit at the homecoming game. A contest
was staged to name the popular mascot. The winner was Buckingham U.
Badger, or Bucky. The name apparently came from the lyrics in a song
which encouraged the football team to "buck right through that line."
Bucky Badger has persevered through the years, even surviving a threat
by then assistant attorney general, Howard Koop, in 1973. He suggested
that Bucky be replaced by Henrietta Holstein, a loveable and productive
cow. Koop argued that "kids love cows. A generation could grow up
supporting the university and Henrietta Holstein." Koop's effort to
overthrow Bucky failed.
Bucky even survived a cameo appearance by Sports Illustrated writer Rick
Telander. In preparation for a book about the athletic department,
Telander wore Bucky's costume at a '91 volleyball game. Telander
overcame "terminal claustrophobia" in his appearance as Bucky.
"ON, WISCONSIN"
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin
Plunge right through that line,
Run the ball clear down the field, boys
Touchdown sure this time
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin
Fight on for her fame,
Fight, Fellows, Fight, Fight, Fight
We'll win this game!
"VARSITY"
Var-sity! Var-sity!
U-rah-rah! Wisconsin!
Praise to thee we sing
Praise to thee our Alma Mater
U-rah-rah, Wisconsin!
(Fanfare of trumpets, followed by:)
Our Team is RED HOT!
(two drum beats and repeat until hoarse)
"If You Want to be a Badger"
If you want to be a Badger, just come along with me,
By the light, by the light, by the light of the moon.
If you want to be a Badger, just come along with me,
By the bright shining light of the moon.
By the light of the moon, by the light of the moon,
By the bright shining light, by the light of the moon.
If you want to be a Badger, just come along with me,
By the bright shining light of the moon.
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