The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the most recognizable brands in college athletics. Aside from their vibrant black and gold colorway, the Iowa Hawkeye has become one of the most well-known mascots that prance the sidelines in college athletics.
But why is Iowa the Hawkeyes, and who is their official mascot?
Who (or What) Is the Iowa Hawkeyes’ Mascot?
Herky the Hawk is the beloved mascot of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes athletics. First introduced as a cartoon in 1948, Herky debuted in person at a football game in 1959. Since then, Herky’s design and wardrobe have been updated periodically to keep the look current.
Today, Herky is a familiar figure at University of Iowa events, proudly representing the Hawkeye spirit. But Herky wasn’t always the representative of the University of Iowa.
The University of Iowa football team’s first mascot was a live black bear cub named Burch, who served as the team mascot from 1908 to 1910. Coach Mark Catlin Sr. acquired Burch in 1908 and brought him to Iowa City, Iowa. Burch lived in a cage at Iowa Field and even accompanied the team to away games.
In 1948, when the university was searching for a new symbol to represent its athletic teams, journalism instructor Richard Spencer III drew a hawk caricature. The university adopted the drawing but left the task of naming the Hawk to the fans through a statewide contest. John Franklin, an alumnus from Belle Plaine, Iowa, suggested the name Hercules the Hawk, which was eventually shortened to Herky.
Why Is Iowa the Hawkeyes?
Iowa has one of the most unique nicknames in college athletics, and its origin is borrowed straight from the state nickname.
Iowa is famously known as the Hawkeye State, and the University of Iowa adopted this nickname for its athletic teams many years ago. The exact origins of the term “Hawkeye” for Iowans are somewhat unclear, but the nickname was first recorded in 1859.
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It is believed that a Burlington, Iowa, judge, David Rorer, may have suggested the name, inspired by the character Hawkeye from James Fenimore Cooper’s novel “The Last of the Mohicans.”
The name gained further traction thanks to James G. Edwards, editor of “The Fort Madison Patriot.” After moving his newspaper to Burlington, Edwards renamed it “The Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot.” His campaign to popularize the nickname proved successful, and in 1838, territorial officials formally approved the use of “Hawkeye” for the state.
Herky first appeared as a costumed mascot at a football game in 1959. Early on, his performances often involved playful pranks on other mascots and daring stunts, leading university officials to consider discontinuing the costumed version.
However, Larry Herb, a transfer student with a strong desire to portray Herky, persuaded the administrators to let him take on the role. Herb’s enthusiasm sparked improvements to the costume, including creating a fiberglass headpiece.
Since 2014, Herky has sported a new look with a fuzzy face and eyebrows, replacing the previous fiberglass helmet.
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