Despite being a research-oriented university, the UAB Blazers have made space in college football. Since launching their football programme in 1991, the Blazers have a record of 173 wins, 190 losses, and two ties. They have split their bowl game appearances evenly, going 3–3.
The Blazers have also won two conference titles and three division titles. Now part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), the team plays home games at the new Protective Stadium in Birmingham. The Protective Stadium is a 47,000+ seat space that brings energy.
Their head coach, Trent Dilfer, has the Blazers steadily moving up. But there is one creature that appears on the field during every match. And this creature is all about good vibes and lifting morale.
What Is the UAB Blazers Mascot?
The UAB Blazers mascot is “Blaze the Dragon”. But UAB wasn’t always the land of dragons. Before the official mascot, several experimental chapters existed in the Blazers’ mascot history.
When UAB became its university in 1969, the Blazers moniker was born. But no one knew what a “Blazer” even looked like. The answer would take a while. In 1978, UAB made its first attempt at a mascot.
And that mascot was a pink dragon. While the men’s basketball team took the court for their first NCAA game, fans were greeted by a bubblegum-coloured beast. It, however, did not stick. The first few matches played with this mascot were against Nebraska and North Alabama. UAB lost both.
Happy National Mascot Day to Blaze. 🔥🐉#FireBreathersOnly // #ServeGrowLaunch pic.twitter.com/OrwUJ5CufK
— UAB FB Recruiting (@UABRecruiting) June 17, 2024
Then came Beauregard T. Rooster in 1979. This was a chicken who strutted through the ’80s. But as the ’90s came around, UAB wanted something fiercer. So, in 1993, the Blazer Warrior came into existence. It had a Viking helmet, heavy armour, enormous energy, and even bigger problems. The students and faculty members were not into it.
Meanwhile, the little kids were terrified. So, the Warrior got benched before football season even kicked off. When it seemed UAB might never find its proper mascot match, 1995 arrived with the solution. Big, green, fire-breathing in spirit and friendly, ‘blaze the dragon’. UAB’s mascot identity finally took flight.
Why Was the UAB Blazers Mascot Blaze The Dragon?
So why pick a dragon? After the Viking warrior flopped, UAB needed something approachable but equally intimidating. And Blaze seemed like the perfect fit. The mascot was officially unveiled at a basketball game on Jan. 6, 1996. He embodied power, uniqueness, and a whole lot of heart. And he looked terrific in a helmet.
KEEP READING: History of the UConn Huskies Mascot
Since 1996, Blaze’s fiery head has proudly adorned UAB football helmets, becoming an icon in his own right. It is a reminder and a symbol of UAB’s rise from uncertainty to full-blown dragon energy.
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