Bucky Badger

Bucky Badger
(Buckingham U. Badger)
Bucky Badger; (Buckingham U. Badger)
	Bucky Badger logo (left) and Bucky Badger costumed (right)
University	University of Wisconsin–Madison
Conference	Big Ten
Description	Anthropomorphic badger
Origin of name	Winning entry in competition
First seen	1940
Related mascot(s)	Regdab Raccoon
Hall of Fame	2006

Buckingham Ulysses^[1] "Bucky" Badger is the official mascot of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The mascot attends major sporting events for the Wisconsin Badgers and other events in Wisconsin.

Origin[edit]

The most familiar portrayal of Bucky Badger, wearing a "W" varsity sweater and strutting forward with a fierce expression, was drawn by California-based commercial artist Art Evans in 1940, and first sold from Brown's Book Store in Madison.^[2]^[3] A popular version of Bucky sporting boxing gloves was first drawn by hometown Madison artist Thomas Spiece.^[4] An actual badger from Eau Claire was used at the first few football games that year, but proved to be too fierce to be controlled properly and was retired to the nearby Henry Vilas Zoo. After that, the school replaced the live badger with a live raccoon named Regdab ('badger' backwards). In 1948, a UW-Madison art student, Carolyn (Connie) Conrard was asked to create a papier-mâché Bucky head-piece. A UW-Madison Gymnast and cheerleader, Bill Sagal, wore the outfit at the homecoming game and a contest was started to properly name the mascot. The winning entry was Buckingham U. Badger. Bucky has been maintained over the years, even surviving a threat by the assistant attorney general, Howard Koop, who suggested that Bucky be replaced by Henrietta Holstein, a loveable cow.

In 2006, Bucky was inducted as a charter member of the Mascot Hall of Fame's College Division, joining YoUDee from Delaware, Sparty from the Michigan State University, and Aubie from Auburn.

Attire and attitude[edit]

During sporting events, he is generally seen interacting with the crowd, especially the rambunctious student section. For example, during football games Bucky often directs sections N, O, and P to dance along with the band's music or pretends to pick fights with certain students. He also has a history of playfully fighting other team's mascots like the University of Minnesota's Goldy Gopher or Purdue University's Purdue Pete. Although fighting is no longer allowed by NCAA mascots, Bucky still frequently interacts with other mascots through skits. Bucky also does push-ups to match the score after each Wisconsin touchdown, field goal, or safety. At the game versus Indiana on November 13, 2010, Bucky did 573 push-ups for the winning score of 83–20.

Billy Sagal was the first costumed Bucky Badger. The original Bucky costume was introduced at a pep rally on Friday, November 11, 1949, before the next day's Homecoming game against Iowa (Wisconsin 35, Iowa 13). Carolyn (Connie) Conrard, a UW art student, designed the original chicken wire and papier-mâché head. Sagal, then head cheerleader, wore his regular cheerleader trousers and sweater and added boxing gloves.^[5]^[6]

Logo[edit]

The modern Bucky Badger logo was part of a group of "comic collegiate badger mascots" created by the Anson W. Thompson Company of Los Angeles in 1988. The company was one of several that manufactured decals and other logowear for universities. The Madison-based Brown's Book Store (no longer in business) was the first to order the pose. Other bookstores in the area ordered other poses. The UW athletic department first used the logo on the cover of the 1988 Football Facts and Centennial Sports Review.

That image of Bucky was adopted and used by many local businesses in and around Madison. In 1988 the University of Wisconsin–Madison formed a trademark licensing program to register the Bucky logo, which was opposed by local merchants. Ownership was decided in the case University Book Store v. University of Wisconsin–Madison Board of Regents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office allowed the UW to register the marks despite previous third-party use on the grounds that the public identified the Bucky Badger logo with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

In 2003, Bucky was given an update, with simplified lines and the "motion W" on his sweater. This might have been done in part to give the university a version of Bucky that was associated with the university alone, and had never been used in any other context.

Variations[edit]

Academic departments and groups at UW-Madison have a rich history of modifying Bucky. Recent university guidelines, however, have banned the modification of Bucky Badger citing brand dilution^[7] despite featuring Bucky on other non-University items such as tortilla chips.^[8]

Blind Bucky is sometimes used to represent the University of Wisconsin Law School as a variation of the allegorical figure of blindfolded Lady Justice.^[9]

Two variations of "Band Bucky" are used to represent the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. One variation shows him wearing a uniform similar to the drum major's, and the other shows him wearing a normal Wisconsin Band uniform. Various instrument sections within the band have also commissioned logos that include Bucky holding their respective instruments.

Bucky with a stethoscope is occasionally used by the Medical Alumni Association.^{[citation needed]}

Similarly, a design of Bucky wearing a Roman-style toga is used by the university's Classics Society (and shared with the Classics Department).^{[citation needed]}

The College of Agriculture & Life Science's Short Course has a Farmer Bucky, clad in Motion W overalls and carrying a pitchfork. In addition, the Collegiate FFA has Bucky in Official Dress, including the standard FFA Jacket.

The Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences department utilizes a design with Bucky holding a lightning bolt.

Bucky has also been known to don a laboratory coat and carry an Erlenmeyer flask in support of University of Wisconsin-Madison laboratory sciences.

Bucky also adorned the engine nacelles of the Wisconsin ANG in Madison during their tenure with the A-10 "Warthog". He was shown on both engines in all black tone, as the aircraft was in the "European one" paint at the time. This was short-lived as the unit converted to the F-16 in a short time.

Student portrayal[edit]

The students (usually 7) who portray Bucky Badger are all volunteers, without scholarships or financial reimbursement, as is the system in some universities. Tryouts include tests of dancing skills, expressiveness in suit, ability to work with props, and the number of push-ups a candidate can do, as well as an interview and the ability to write and perform an original skit. The Bucky Team attends mascot training camp every year in August. They perform throughout the year, including breaks and holidays, representing the university and the state at athletic events, but also at ceremonies, parades, festivals, weddings, and even an occasional funeral.

Bucky appearances can be purchased; rates in 2007 were $250 plus $100 per hour, a "typical price" for school mascots.^[10]

Film portrayal[edit]

In 2009, Bucky Badger made it to the silver screen in the documentary, Being Bucky. The film, which was created by Chicago ad-men John Fromstein and Scott Smith, both Wisconsin natives, follows the 2007–2008 Buckys: Chris, Blake, Dave, Sky, Ryan, Craig and Jeff. It was released on April 4 at the Wisconsin Film Festival and featured in theaters across the state in the following weeks.

Additionally, Bucky Badger is featured prominently in a parody of the song "Teach Me How to Dougie", appropriately titled "Teach Me How to Bucky".^[11]^[12] The music video, presented by Zooniversity Music, debuted during the 2010 UW Homecoming Game at Camp Randall vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers, a 41–23 Badgers win on October 9. T-shirts displayed in the video became commercially distributed the following week at local stores such as Name of the Game Apparel and Insignia. However, despite overwhelming popularity of the video, the use of a student-athlete's portrayal in the music video at the :31 second and 1:11 mark violated NCAA compliance issues as student-athletes' likenesses are prohibited from generating the sales. Specifically, NCAA regulations stipulate that “items that include an individual student-athlete’s name, picture or likeness, other than information items, may not be sold.”

References[edit]

^ "Bucky Badger: History, people behind beloved mascot". 17 September 2019.
^ "ONline Wisconsin — August 2001". August 2001. Archived from the original on 2006-12-09. Retrieved 2007-01-11.
^ "Ask Abe Archives — Campus Traditions". Archived from the original on 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2007-01-11.
^ "Campus Life: Wisconsin; Contriving a Shorter Leash for Bucky Badger". The New York Times. 19 August 1990.
^ Chelsea Schlecht. "Happy Birthday Bucky". Wisconsin Alumni Association. September 28, 2015.
^ Käri Knutson. "Creator of Bucky dies, but legacy of mascot lives on". University of Wisconsin-Madison. May 22, 2012.
^ "Print: Other university logos". Uc.wisc.edu. Archived from the original on 2014-03-28. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
^ [1]^{[dead link]}
^ Blind Bucky, Wisconsin Law Alumni Association Emporium, University of Wisconsin Law School.
^ Cuthbert, Adam (August 2007). "Rent a Mascot". Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Archived from the original on 2009-01-22.
^ "Zooniversity — Teach Me How To Bucky [Cascia Films". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-03-28.^{[dead YouTube link]}
^ "Teach Me How To Bucky". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2014-03-28.

External links[edit]

UW Badgers website
Photos of classic Bucky costumes from The University of Wisconsin Collection^{[permanent dead link]}
The UW–Madison Office of Trademark Licensing controls the Bucky Badger logo's trademark.
Being Bucky, a documentary about what it's like to be the mascot
It ain't easy ‘Being Bucky’

[1] "Bucky Badger: History, people behind beloved mascot". 17 September 2019.

[2] "ONline Wisconsin — August 2001". August 2001. Archived from the original on 2006-12-09. Retrieved 2007-01-11.

[3] "Ask Abe Archives — Campus Traditions". Archived from the original on 2007-01-08. Retrieved 2007-01-11.

[4] "Campus Life: Wisconsin; Contriving a Shorter Leash for Bucky Badger". The New York Times. 19 August 1990.

[5] Chelsea Schlecht. "Happy Birthday Bucky". Wisconsin Alumni Association. September 28, 2015.

[6] Käri Knutson. "Creator of Bucky dies, but legacy of mascot lives on". University of Wisconsin-Madison. May 22, 2012.

[7] "Print: Other university logos". Uc.wisc.edu. Archived from the original on 2014-03-28. Retrieved 2014-03-28.

[8] [1]^{[dead link]}

[9] Blind Bucky, Wisconsin Law Alumni Association Emporium, University of Wisconsin Law School.

[10] Cuthbert, Adam (August 2007). "Rent a Mascot". Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Archived from the original on 2009-01-22.

[11] "Zooniversity — Teach Me How To Bucky [Cascia Films". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-03-28.^{[dead YouTube link]}

[12] "Teach Me How To Bucky". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2014-03-28.

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v t e University of Wisconsin–Madison
Located in: Madison, Wisconsin
Colleges and schools	Agricultural and Life Sciences Business Education Engineering Human Ecology International Studies Journalism and Mass Communication Law Letters and Science Library and Information Studies Medicine and Public Health Music Nursing Pharmacy Public Affairs Social Work Veterinary Medicine
Campus	Abraham's Woods Agriculture Hall Allen Centennial Gardens Arboretum Bascom Hill Chamberlin Hall Chazen Museum of Art Dairy Barn DeLuca Biochemistry Building Geology Museum Heating Station Lake Mendota Lakeshore Nature Preserve Lathrop Hall Law Building Memorial Union North Hall Pine Bluff Observatory Space Science and Engineering Center Red Gym Science Hall State Street Stock Pavilion Synchrotron Radiation Center Union South Washburn Observatory Weinert Center Wisconsin Union Theater
Athletics	Baseball Basketball (M W) Crew Football Ice hockey (Men Women) Men's soccer Softball Volleyball Camp Randall Field House Kohl Center LaBahn Arena University Ridge Golf Course Bucky Badger Grateful Red Paul Bunyan's Axe Heartland Trophy
History	Camp Randall Experimental College Past Chancellors Sifting and winnowing Single-grain experiment Slab of Bacon Sterling Hall bombing Teaching Assistants Association WHA Wisconsin Idea Wisconsin Idea Theatre Wisconsin school Wisconsin School (diplomatic history)
Media and publications	The Badger Herald The Daily Cardinal Scandinavian Studies Tandem Press UW Press The Wisconsin Engineer Wisconsin Law Review WSUM
People	Alumni, faculty and staff Academics Athletics
Research	Biotron Carbone Cancer Center Center for Limnology Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Helically Symmetric Experiment History of Cartography Project IceCube Neutrino Observatory Law in Action Madison Symmetric Torus McArdle Laboratory Morgridge Institute for Research Pegasus Toroidal Experiment UW Hospital & Clinics University Research Park Viaspan WIYN Consortium WiCell Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation WISCAPE Wisconsin Energy Institute Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
Student life	Forensics Fundamentally Sound Grateful Red Hoofers Humorology Iron Shield Society Jump Around MadHatters Marching Band On, Wisconsin! Undergraduate Projects Lab Varsity Wisconsin Film Festival Wisconsin Union
Related	University of Wisconsin System The War at Home (1979 documentary)
Founded: 1848

v t e Wisconsin Badgers football
Venues	Randall Field (1895–1916) Camp Randall Stadium (1917–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games Iowa Minnesota Nebraska
Culture & lore	Bucky Badger "On, Wisconsin!" Marching band "Jump Around" Tall Grass Game Crazylegs
People	Head coaches NFL draftees Statistical leaders Retired numbers
Seasons	1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

v t e Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball
Venues	Red Gym (1904–1930) Wisconsin Field House (1930–1998) Kohl Center (1998–present)
Rivalries	Marquette
Culture & lore	Bucky Badger "On, Wisconsin!" Grateful Red
People	Head coaches NBA players Statistical leaders
Seasons	List of seasons 1898–99 1899–1900 1900–01 1901–02 1902–03 1903–04 1904–05 1905–06 1906–07 1907–08 1908–09 1909–10 1910–11 1911–12 1912–13 1913–14 1914–15 1915–16 1916–17 1917–18 1918–19 1919–20 1920–21 1921–22 1922–23 1923–24 1924–25 1925–26 1926–27 1927–28 1928–29 1929–30 1930–31 1931–32 1932–33 1933–34 1934–35 1935–36 1936–37 1937–38 1938–39 1939–40 1940–41 1941–42 1942–43 1943–44 1944–45 1945–46 1946–47 1947–48 1948–49 1949–50 1950–51 1951–52 1952–53 1953–54 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1957–58 1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63 1963–64 1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24
Helms and Premo-Porretta national championships in bold; NCAA Final Four appearance in italics; NCAA championships in bolded italics

v t e Mascots of the Big Ten Conference
East Division	No mascot (Indiana) Testudo (Maryland) Maize (Michigan) Sparty (Michigan State) Brutus Buckeye (Ohio State) Nittany Lion (Penn State) Sir Henry, the Scarlet Knight (Rutgers)
West Division	No mascot (Illinois) Herky the Hawk (Iowa) Goldy Gopher (Minnesota) Herbie Husker / Lil' Red (Nebraska) Willie the Wildcat (Northwestern) Boilermaker Special / Purdue Pete (Purdue) Bucky Badger (Wisconsin)