What Happened to the Bear on College Game Day?
In the realm of college football, tradition reigns supreme. One of the most iconic traditions is the presence of live mascots on the sidelines, representing the spirit and pride of their respective universities. Among these mascots, the live black bear at Baylor University holds a unique place in history.
The tradition of a live bear mascot at Baylor dates back to 1914. The university’s first mascot was a black bear named Bruin, who quickly became a beloved figure on campus. Bruin attended football games, pep rallies, and other university events, bringing joy and excitement to students and fans alike.
From Bruin to Lady
Over the years, Baylor has had several different live bear mascots, each with its own unique personality and charm. One of the most famous was a female black bear named Lady, who served as the university’s mascot from 1949 to 1974.
Lady was known for her gentle nature and her love of interacting with fans. She was a fixture at Baylor football games, where she would often be seen sitting on the sidelines, cheering on the Bears. Lady’s popularity extended beyond the football field, as she became a beloved figure on campus and in the Waco community.
The End of an Era
In 1974, Baylor’s live bear mascot tradition came to an end when Lady passed away due to natural causes. The university decided not to replace her, citing concerns about animal welfare and the changing nature of college football. Animal rights groups had also expressed concerns about the treatment of live mascots.
The loss of Lady was a sad day for Baylor fans, but her legacy lived on. The university retired her jersey number (34) and erected a statue of her outside the football stadium. Today, Lady remains an iconic symbol of Baylor’s rich tradition and the special bond that exists between a university and its mascot.
Modern Mascots: Costume Bears
While Baylor no longer has a live bear mascot, the tradition of a bear on the sidelines continues in a different form. The university now uses costumed bear mascots, known as the Baylor Bears, to represent the school at athletic events and other university functions.
The Baylor Bears are a group of students who wear bear costumes and perform at football games, pep rallies, and other events. The mascots interact with fans, lead cheers, and help to create a fun and energetic atmosphere. While they may not be as iconic as Lady, the Baylor Bears still play an important role in the university’s tradition, bringing joy and excitement to students and fans alike.
FAQ
- Why did Baylor stop using live bear mascots?
Baylor stopped using live bear mascots after Lady passed away in 1974 due to concerns about animal welfare and the changing nature of college football.
- What are the Baylor Bears?
The Baylor Bears are a group of students who wear bear costumes and perform at football games, pep rallies, and other events.
- Was Lady the only bear mascot that Baylor had?
No, Baylor has had several different live bear mascots over the years, including Bruin, who was the first mascot in 1914.
Conclusion
The bear has been an iconic symbol of Baylor University for over a century, representing the spirit and pride of the university. From Bruin to Lady to the costumed Baylor Bears, the bear has played an important role in the university’s tradition. While the live bear mascot tradition has come to an end, the legacy of Lady and the spirit of the bear continue to live on through the Baylor Bears mascot program.
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