Freddie Falcon: Keeping the Bowling Green spirit alive for 75 years

Past Freddies share their experiences as the legendary mascot

In the 75 years since the beloved Bowling Green State University mascot Freddie Falcon made his debut, more than 200 students have had an opportunity to don the costume and promote spirit and community across the University.

The longstanding tradition, shrouded in secrecy, is one that often leaves an indelible mark on the students chosen to represent BGSU as the lovable, energetic Freddie Falcon. 

Although Freddie’s appearance has evolved over the years — from a papier-mâché falcon head to a large mask with bright eyes and a smiling beak — his mission to create excitement at athletic and community events has remained steadfast.

Nearly 60 years after portraying Freddie during his junior year, BGSU alumnus Dr. Ron Zwierlein ‘68 still has fond memories of his experiences as the legendary mascot. BGSU is celebrating Freddie’s 75th birthday at this year’s Homecoming.

Zwierlein became the 12th Freddie Falcon during the 1966-67 academic year. A member of the swimming and diving team, Zwierlein said his involvement in athletics served as the perfect cover to conceal his identity as Freddie.

“I was able to use swimming and diving as an excuse as to why I couldn’t go to this sporting event or that sporting event,” Zwierlein said. “I’d say I had practice or had to get ready for a meet. It was tough to lie. I was excited to be Freddie, and I wanted to tell everybody, but I couldn’t.”

One of Zwierlein’s most daring adventures as Freddie included swinging from a rope in Anderson Arena to deliver the game ball to the basketball team. Just as Zwierlein was swinging into the arena, the team came out from the tunnel, and he collided with the team’s star center.

“I knocked him to the ground,” he said. “Thankfully, the game continued, and BGSU won. I had class the next day with the basketball coach, who learned years later that I was the Freddie who knocked out his star player. We remained friends, and every time we talked, he brought up that subject. It was probably my most memorable Freddie experience.”

Zwierlein said he had countless other impactful experiences as Freddie and remains proud to have carried that title as a student.

“It was rewarding to be part of such a storied BGSU tradition," he said. "This University has so much to offer. I hope people will take away not only the education they got here but the relationships they built and the fun they had in college.”

Will McLean ‘25, a recent Freddie, shared a similar sentiment about his experience as the mascot, calling it the perfect way to wrap up his time at BGSU.

McLean said the best part of being Freddie was the memories he created for so many different people, either by doing something funny at an event or hyping up the crowd at a basketball game.

“It’s about the interactions and the memories you help make for people,” he said. “People love Freddie and Frieda, and being able to feel that genuine love and support was incredible. It was truly amazing to contribute to the school spirit at BGSU. 

“It’s nice to know that I will always have an incredible and supportive community at BGSU. I’m so proud to call BGSU my alma mater.”

As Freddie celebrates his 75th birthday, both former mascots have a message for him:

“Keep being you, Freddie,” McLean said. “Keep being the goofy, fun-loving guy that you are. It’s so awesome to see Freddie always having fun, giving back and spreading joy to the people of BGSU and Bowling Green.”

Zwierlein added, “Keep it going; keep the spirit high and make it fun.”