The Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs’ mascot has evolved significantly since its inception in 1897. From real animals to costumed characters, the mascot has reflected the school’s rich history and tradition.
How TCU’s Horned Frog Mascot Became a College Football Icon
In 1897, TCU, then called Add-Ran Christian University, adopted the horned frog as its mascot. Legend has it that the football field was filled with these resilient lizards, which inspired the choice.
Addison Clark Jr., who introduced football to TCU, played a key role in picking the horned frog because of its importance on the Waco campus.
Early Mascot Representations
The horned frog was initially shown as a living creature and a human mascot. In 1921, a little child served as the football team’s mascot, a tradition that persisted into the 1960s. During the early 1920s, the baseball team’s mascot was a purple-bodied dog with a white head. By 1949, TCU had acquired a costumed mascot, indicating a substantial shift in mascot representation.
Evolution into SuperFrog
On September 24, 1949, the first costumed mascot debuted: a 6-foot horned frog with a papier-mache head and a fabric body. Following a student contest, the mascot was given the moniker “Addy the All-American Frog” in honor of Addison Clark Jr. In 1979, the mascot was renamed “SuperFrog,” a name that has persisted.
Modern-Day SuperFrog
SuperFrog has undergone multiple redesigns to improve its appearance and functionality. In 1999, a new outfit was developed, with a more muscular structure and the performer wearing an air-conditioned vest. Today, up to six students are accountable for bringing SuperFrog to life, embodying TCU’s enthusiasm and pride on various occasions.
The horned frog, often called the Texas horned lizard, maintains a unique position in TCU’s identity. This resilient critter, the Texas state reptile, embodies the university’s tenacity and determination.
Despite its name, the horned frog is a reptile with unusual horns and unique protection mechanisms.
Also Read: History of the UCLA Bruins Mascot
The TCU Horned Frogs’ mascot has evolved alongside the university from humble origins to iconic prominence. SuperFrog represents TCU’s rich history, representing the resilience and spirit of the horned frog itself.
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