The Colorful World of NCAA Basketball Mascots: Stories Behind the Spirit
Introduction: The Magic of Mascots in March Madness
Mascots have long been a beloved part of NCAA basketball culture, bringing energy, school spirit, and fun to the courts during March Madness. These furry, animated characters, often dressed in elaborate costumes, are more than just rallying points for teams—they are symbols of school pride and tradition. From badgers to beavers, gators to griffins, and even a Pilgrim or Patriot, each mascot has a unique story and history that ties it to its school. With the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments featuring dozens of schools, fans are sure to fall in love with these mascots as much as the athletes themselves. This year’s March Madness brings some especially fascinating mascots to the spotlight, each representing their school’s identity in unforgettable ways.
The Red Flash: St. Francis University’s Fiery Spirit
Tiny St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, made history this year by joining the exclusive list of men’s teams to make the NCAA Tournament with a losing record. The Red Flash earned their automatic berth by winning the Northeast Conference tournament, and their charismatic mascot, Frankie the Friar, has been a fan favorite. Frankie, a grinning, bald-domed friar, has been the school’s mascot since 1983, though he got a modern makeover in 2009. The name “Red Flash” dates back to 1927, when the school’s student newspaper first referred to the football team as “The Red Flashes.” With only about 2,000 students, St. Francis is a small school with a big presence, and if they make some noise in the tournament, they’re sure to win over even more fans.
The Tritons: UC San Diego’s Debut in the Big Dance
For the first time in school history, the UC San Diego Tritons are making waves in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Their mascot, King Triton, is a bearded, beaming figure wearing a crown and carrying a three-pronged trident. While King Triton has legs, the Triton of Greek mythology is often depicted as a sea warrior with the lower body of a fish, a nod to UC San Diego’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Tritons moved up from Division II in 2020 and joined the Big West Conference, making this their first year of eligibility for the NCAA Tournament. With King Triton leading the charge, UC San Diego is ready to make a splash on the national stage.
The Zips: Akron’s Speedy Kangaroo Mascot
Akron University’s mascot, Zippy the kangaroo, has a unique origin story that dates back to the 1920s. The school’s original nickname was the “Zippers,” named after a popular brand of rubber galoshes sold by the B.F. Goodrich tire company in 1925. In 1950, the nickname was shortened to the “Zips,” and a contest was held to create a mascot. The winner was a kangaroo named Mr. Zip, who later became Zippy when it was realized that only female kangaroos have pouches. Zippy has been a beloved fixture at Akron games for decades, and the school’s men’s team is back in the tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference championship. With Zippy’s boundless energy and school spirit, Akron fans have plenty to cheer about.
The Lopes: Grand Canyon’s Thunder the Antelope
Grand Canyon University’s mascot, Thunder the Antelope, is known for his impressive skills—posing for photos, rappelling from the ceiling, and even dunking basketballs. But Thunder’s journey to becoming the school’s official mascot wasn’t always smooth. The antelope nickname dates back to 1949, when the school began using the name “Antelopes,” later shortened to “Lopes.” For decades, the school used a mascot called the “Purple People Eater,” a hairy, mysterious figure that was eventually replaced by Thunder in 2008. Today, Thunder is a fan favorite, and Grand Canyon is competing in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Whether Thunder is dunking or dancing, he’s sure to bring the energy.
The Jackrabbits: South Dakota State’s Hopping Hero
South Dakota State’s Jack the Jackrabbit is one of the most unique mascots in college basketball. The name “Jackrabbits” is deeply rooted in the school’s history, though its exact origin is unclear. One story dates it back to 1905, when a newspaper cartoon described the school’s football team as “quick as jackrabbits.” Another tale points to a 1907 yearbook poem that inspired the nickname. Whatever the source, the Jackrabbits have been a beloved symbol of South Dakota State for over a century. Their mascot, Jack, was officially named in 2010, and he’s been a fan favorite ever since. With the women’s team making their 13th tournament appearance since 2009, Jack the Jackrabbit is ready to hop his way into fans’ hearts.
The Red Storm: St. John’s Thunderbird Takes Flight
For St. John’s University, the Red Storm’s mascot, Johnny the Thunderbird, is a symbol of power and tradition. The Thunderbird made its debut in 2009, 15 years after the school changed its nickname from the Redmen to the Red Storm. According to the school, the Thunderbird is a “mythological spirit of thunder and lightning believed by some Native Americans to take the shape of a great bird.” Johnny has become a fixture in New York City sports culture, recently appearing alongside coach Rick Pitino and even on NBC’s “Today” show. With the men’s team returning to the tournament for the first time since 2019, Johnny the Thunderbird is ready to soar.
The Mischievous Side of Mascots: When Spirit Turns to Shenanigans
While mascots are typically well-behaved, March Madness has seen its fair share of mascot mishaps over the years. In 2006, Stanford’s unofficial tree mascot was ejected from a game for not leaving the court quickly enough after halftime. Tennessee’s mascot, Smokey the bluetick coonhound, was thrown out of the 1996 women’s championship game for destroying a stuffed Bulldog mascot, causing a 15-minute delay for cleanup. And in 1994, Arizona’s Wilbur the Wildcat and Arkansas’s Razorback got into a physical altercation at the men’s Final Four, resulting in Wilbur sustaining a knee injury. These antics remind us that even mascots can get caught up in the excitement of the game.
A Coach’s Mascot Moment: Bruce Pearl’s Hidden Talent
Few people know that Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl once moonlighted as a mascot during his college days. In 1981, while serving as a personal assistant to Boston College coach Tom Davis, Pearl stepped in as Eddie the Eagle when the regular mascot fell ill. Donning the bird costume, Pearl even used a stepladder to distract opponents during free throws by flapping his arms like wings. Though his antics nearly got him ejected, Pearl’s brief stint as a mascot is a fun reminder that even the most serious coaches have a playful side.
Conclusion: Mascots Bring Heart and Soul to March Madness
From Frankie the Friar to Thunder the Antelope, the mascots of March Madness add an extra layer of excitement and school pride to the tournament. Each mascot has a story that reflects the history and values of their institution, creating a sense of connection between fans and their teams. Whether they’re dunking, dancing, or just cheering from the sidelines, these mascots are the heartbeat of college basketball. As the tournament progresses, fans will surely fall in love with these colorful characters—and the teams they represent.
