Fresno State’s Bulldog mascot is derived from simple beginnings and a daily routine that became a university-wide tradition.
A total of 15 Division I schools are represented by the nickname “Bulldogs.” Fresno State is one of them, and it has wholly embraced the loyalty and calmness displayed by the Bulldog to represent its student body and athletic teams.
Many stories about how a university settles on a nickname and a mascot are steeped in local history or relate to the area where the university welcomes its students.
Fresno State’s nickname and mascot origin story is a bit simpler, but it is a wholesome story about students in the university’s early days.
So, how did Fresno State become the Bulldogs?
Who (or What) is the Fresno State Bulldogs Mascot?
Fresno State is home to two mascots: a live mascot and a costumed mascot that was introduced later.
The live mascot has been known as Victor E. Bulldog.
Fresno State later introduced a costumed mascot named Timeout.
For many years, a live bulldog served as Fresno State’s mascot, regularly appearing at football games and symbolizing the team’s spirit. However, as the Bulldogs’ football program grew more successful and moved into a larger stadium in the 1980s, the tradition evolved.
In 1981, the university introduced a costumed mascot named Timeout, designed by student Gary Johns. Timeout quickly became a fixture of the game day experience, often engaging in light-hearted mock battles with rival mascots. Despite introducing the costumed mascot, Fresno State has maintained its tradition of featuring live bulldogs at games, preserving a connection to its rich history.
Timeout and the live bulldogs embody the enduring energy and pride of the Fresno State community, making every game a memorable experience.
The tradition of having a live Bulldog mascot waned over the years, but it was revitalized in the 1980s by the late football coach Jim Sweeney and his Bulldog, Half-Time. This revival rekindled the Bulldog spirit, reestablishing the live mascot as a symbol of Fresno State pride.
In 2006, Fresno State introduced Victor E. Bulldog as its official live mascot. Victor E. quickly became a cherished community member, attending football games and campus events. Unfortunately, Victor E. Bulldog passed away on Aug. 10, 2012, after a battle with cancer. His successor, Victor E. Bulldog II, took over in September 2012, energizing the Red Wave with his presence until his passing on March 12, 2015.
The tradition continued with Victor E. Bulldog III, who joined Fresno State in June 2015 thanks to a generous donor. Under the care of the Fresno State Alumni Association, Victor E. Bulldog III carried on the legacy until the arrival of Victor E. Bulldog IV in November 2022. Victor E. Bulldog IV officially became the live mascot during the Passing of the Collar ceremony in Spring 2023, ensuring that the Bulldog spirit lives on.
Why is Fresno State the Bulldogs?