This year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will celebrate 75 years since Bill Sagal dawned the University’s first mascot costume; stamping in history one of Wisconsin’s most storied and recognizable figures: Bucky Badger.
Bucky’s infectious energy and signature cardinal red and white sweater have made him more than just a mascot – he’s a cherished symbol of pride and tradition at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Big world, busy Bucky
While Bucky is most often seen in the public eye during football Saturdays in the fall, the mascot is bringing smiles nearly 365 days a year.
Year over year, Bucky makes anywhere from 400 to 700 or more appearances. These include UW Athletics competitions and events, national and local TV / commercial appearances, UW campus events, community events, alumni events, hospital visits, and corporate events.
Behind the Scenes
Behind the character we all know and love are the individuals who bring Bucky Badger to life. Every year, a team of 7 student-athletes dedicate their free time to represent the University to our campus, local, and global community.
Being Bucky is much more than showing up to an event in costume. It requires a significant, year-round time commitment which includes practices, workouts, meetings, transportation, and of-course, the events themselves. This is all in addition to the responsibilities of a full-time student.
Need for Support
All scholarships for the Bucky Badger student mascot program come from philanthropic support. These scholarships are especially important given the time commitments of being a student and a mascot.
Every week, each of the Bucky student-athletes dedicate 40+ hours to represent the University at the highest standard. This breaks down to roughly…
- 6 hours of practice and meetings
- 6 hours of strength and conditioning
- 11-13 hours of non sporting appearances
- 12 hours for football Saturday and
- 4-6 hours for other UW athletic events
Because Bucky is not a paid position and the Bucky student-athletes aren’t eligible to receive revenue from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), most of the team is forced to also find time for part-time jobs on campus to afford school.
Donate Today to Support our Bucky Student-Athletes
In Bucky’s 75th year, the Bucky Badger mascot program alumni – those who have continued and built upon the legacy Bill Sagan began in 1949 – call on the University of Wisconsin-Madison community and beyond to help us in supporting the current and future student athletes through scholarship.
Bucky Badger is more than just a college mascot, he is a symbol that unifies the University of Wisconsin-Madison community behind a shared vision of excellence – both academically and athletically. Let us now support the student athletes who exemplify this Wisconsin excellence, so they may continue to focus on bringing our beloved mascot to life.
– The Bucky Badger Mascot Alumni