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School Colors
The historical story behind how BGSU began using brown and orange as its school colors dates back to 1914. Dr. Homer B. Williams,
the University's first president, gathered a group of people, which included Dr. Leon L. Winslow from the industrial arts
department, as a selection committee for the school's new colors. While on an interurban (or trolley) ride to Toledo, Dr.
Winslow sat behind a woman wearing a large hat adorned with beautiful brown and orange feathers. He was so interested in the
color scheme that his committee recommended to the Board of Trustees they approve the combination of burnt orange and seal
brown.
The Falcon
Until 1927, Bowling Green State University was referred to as Bowling Green Normal University, for its teacher-training curriculum.
The school's nickname was "The Normals." That year a man named Ivan "Doc" Lake, who was a distinguished 1923 graduate and
active athletics booster, suggested that the University needed a new nickname. Lake, then a sports reporter for the local
Sentinel Tribune newspaper, had just finished reading an article about falconry. He suggested the University rename its nickname
and mascot to the Falcons. He felt the bird was a fierce fighter with speed and courage. Lake's suggestion met with instant
general approval by members of the University. In fact, in 1955 the U.S. Air Force would also adopt the falcon as its mascot
at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Mascot
Freddie Falcon
Freddie Falcon was born in 1950 in the minds of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity members. The idea was to try and create school
spirit at BGSU athletics events. On Jan. 16, at the BGSU vs. Ohio University basketball game Freddie Falcon made his debut
appearance introducing himself to the BGSU community. Under the head created from papier-mâché, a feathered cape and a brown
sweat suit outfit was Bob Taylor, BGSU's first Freddie Falcon.
Frieda Falcon
Frieda first joined Freddie at BGSU on Feb. 26, 1966, as Mrs. Freddie Falcon. Contrary to what one might think, Mrs. Freddie
Falcon was actually a male cheerleader in disguise. By 1980 Frieda emerged as the Falcon sidekick we all know today. Sue Sheard
played the first official female Frieda during the 1980-81 school year.
In order to become Freddie or Frieda, students must apply in writing, pass a series of interviews and be observed in the costume
in public. The spirited birds can be seen rooting for BGSU at football, men's and women's basketball, hockey and volleyball
games. The actual identities of students who are chosen as Freddie and Frieda are not revealed until the end of the basketball
and hockey seasons.
Through the years Freddie and Frieda's appearances have changed several times, perhaps by accident or maybe on purpose. During
the summer of 1950, the old Falcon's Nest (home to Freddie and Frieda) was located in a log cabin on the current site of the
Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Apparently, some hungry mice got into the cabin and devoured Freddie's papier-mâché head right
down to the chicken wire frame. The following year, Freddie's head had a new look. Instead of papier-mâché, he wore something
resembling a rubber chicken mask. Today, Freddie and Frieda's costumes look similar to other college mascots' outfits. They
are made of fiberglass, paint and synthetic brown material to look like feathers.
Alma Mater
Words and music by Edith Ludwig Bell ’51
Alma Mater hear us,
As we praise thy name
Make us worthy sons and daughters
Adding to thy fame.
Time will treat you kindly
Years from now you'll be
Ever dearer in our hearts,
Our University.
From your halls of ivy
To the campus scene,
Chimes ring out with gladness
From our dear Bowling Green.
When all is just a mem'ry
Of the by-gone days,
Hear our hymn dear Alma Mater
As thy name we praise.
Forward Falcons
Words and music by:
Dr. Wayne Bohrnstedt
Forward Falcons,
Forward Falcons,
Fight for victory.
Show our spirit,
make them fear it,
Fight for dear Bee Gee.
Forward Falcons,
Forward Falcons,
Make the contest keen.
Hold up the fame of our mighty name, and win for
Bowling Green
Ay Ziggy Zoomba
Lyrics to the unofficial BGSU fightsong
Written by: Gilbert Fox
Ay Ziggy Zoomba Zoomba Zoomba
Ay Ziggy Zoomba Zoomba Ze
Ay Ziggy Zoomba Zoomba Zoomba
Ay Ziggy Zoomba Zoomba Ze
Roll along you BG warriors
Roll along and win for BGSU!
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