If you were to step inside a laboratory to create the perfect football player, you’d want the finished product to possess elite speed and vision. Those two distinctive characteristics happen to be features of a falcon, which happens to be a mascot for two FBS teams in college football: Air Force and Bowling Green.
Since 1950, Freddie Falcon has been the face of Bowling Green State University. Later joined by a sibling, Frieda Falcon, the duo has been creating school spirit together on campus for nearly six decades.
What is the history behind Bowling Green’s mascots, Freddie and Frieda Falcon?
Who (or What) Is the Falcons’ Mascot?
Exactly halfway through the 20th century, members of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity at Bowling Green had an idea to create school spirit at athletic events held on campus.
On Jan. 16, 1950, at a basketball game against Ohio University, Freddie Falcon made his debut appearance, introducing himself to the BGSU community. Under a papier-mâché head, a feathered cape, and a brown sweat suit outfit was Bob Taylor, BGSU’s first Freddie Falcon.
Frieda first joined BGSU on Feb. 25, 1966, as Mrs. Freddie Falcon. Contrary to what one might think, Mrs. Freddie Falcon was actually a male cheerleader in disguise.
Frieda re-emerged in 1980 as Freddie’s little sister and sidekick. The spirited birds can be seen rooting for BGSU at football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball games, as well as roaming around campus.
Over the years, Freddie and Frieda’s appearances have changed several times, perhaps by accident or on purpose. Their newest trademark to complement the overall look is a pair of orange Chuck Taylors, first incorporated into the costume in 2012 as comic-looking high tops with Falcon heads on them.
Why Is Falcon the Mascot?
Until 1927, Bowling Green State University was referred to as Bowling Green Normal University for its teaching training curriculum. The school’s nickname was “The Normals.”
That year, a man named Ivan “Doc” Lake, who was a distinguished 1923 graduate of the university and an active athletics booster, suggested that the school needed a new nickname.
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A sports reporter for the local Sentinel-Tribune newspaper at the time, Lake had just finished reading an article about falconry. He suggested the university rename its nickname and mascot, “The Falcons.”
In addition to better fitting headline space, Lake felt the bird was a fierce fighter with speed and courage. His suggestion of “The Falcons” was met with instant general approval by members of the university. It was officially adopted on Oct. 28, 1927.
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