The official mascot of Michigan Tech is the Husky. The husky represents the strong, resilient, and determined spirit of the university. It symbolizes the students and faculty who are passionate about learning and pushing boundaries. The university adopted the husky as its mascot in the 1970s, and ever since, it has become a beloved symbol of pride for the Michigan Tech community. The husky is seen at sporting events, rallies, and other university gatherings, rallying support and spreading a sense of unity among students and alumni. Its fierce and friendly nature serves as a reminder of the tenacity and camaraderie that defines the Michigan Tech experience.
Its fierce and friendly nature serves as a reminder of the tenacity and camaraderie that defines the Michigan Tech experience. As the university's mascot, the husky embodies the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that are integral to the educational journey. Whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or in the lab, the husky stands as a symbol of the Michigan Tech community's unwavering commitment to excellence.
Being Blizzard
An interview without speaking. Not even a bark or yelp or ruff. Hmmm. That can only leave one option; I had to do what any good Husky would do. I had to follow—chase—him around in his natural habitat. And actually, the he of this story isn’t a he as we assume.
Blizzard T. Husky is gender neutral.
What do we really know about Blizzard anyway? And about the Huskies who play Blizzard? “They don’t talk and they don’t reveal their identities—those are the biggies. Beyond that our students shape Blizzard,” says Joel Isaacson ‘01, associate athletic director for Michigan Technological University, and Blizzard’s manager.
Suiting up to take the ice and fire up the crowd.Officially named through a campus-wide vote in 1997, the mascot is celebrating 2-0 this year.
I arranged to meet not one, but two Blizzards deep inside the inner workings of the Student Development Complex on a Saturday hockey night in Houghton. Not just any hockey game. Game two in a WCHA playoff series against Lake Superior State University.
Of our 7,268 crazy smart students, five are employed as Blizzard. “Someone will email and express interest. We send them a questionnaire—what’s your height, weight, stature; can you skate, what animal do you identify with, does sweat bother you, the basics—then we see how they look in the suit, their energy, crowd interaction,” Mike, as we’ll call him, tells me.
“Too short, too skinny and the suit makes you look like a flying squirrel—no offense,” he says, shrugging apologetically.
Mike has played Blizzard since his undergraduate years. Now a biochemistry master’s student, it’s his sixth and final year as Blizz.
During hockey games like tonight, with so many details to coordinate, two Blizzards work the John MacInness Student Ice Arena. The addition of the video scoreboard in 2013 overhauled the fan experience. Now with replays, highlights, and promotions, it’s a theater-like production behind the scenes.
"Being Blizzard connects you with very important people."Our other Blizzard tonight is a second-year mechanical engineering major. Prior to this year he had never even been on skates. Today, for the first time ever, he’ll lead the pre-game crowd warm up.
He’s nervous. And I’m nervous for him. Let’s call him Dave.
“I still get jitters when I take the ice,” Mike says. And, yes. “We’ve all bitten it and wiped out. It happens. Thankfully our fans are pretty understanding.”
Dave’s taken every Learn-to-Skate class offered through Michigan Tech Recreation this year. He shows up in uniform and kids think Blizzard is there for fun, but he’s really working on backward skating, crossovers, and generally not running the little Huskies over. Tenacious.
In the 1970s and '80s people around campus made costumes to serve as unofficial mascots.Underneath the fur, it’s white basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. “Helps keep the suits drier for the next person,” Mike says. “Sometimes kids will give me a hug and then ask, ‘Hey, Blizzard, why are you all wet?’”
I was relieved to learn the plush suit gets washed after every weekend.
Besides Dave’s big debut, tonight’s other challenge includes adjusting to the new, heavier head. “The old-new head is the best head—it’s the best looking. The old-old head is hard to see out of. This one is perfectly oval,” Mike says, showing me.
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Reviews for "The Magic of Blizzard: How Michigan Tech's Mascot Brings Joy to All"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the official mascot of Michigan Tech. The "Moose" just didn't seem very representative of the university or the spirit of the students. It felt like a generic choice that didn't have any real connection to the university's identity. I was hoping for something more unique and memorable. Overall, I found the mascot to be quite underwhelming.
2. John - 1/5 stars - The official mascot of Michigan Tech was just plain boring. A moose? Really? There are so many other exciting and dynamic animals that could have been chosen to represent the university. The moose is just too docile and uninspiring. I think a more fierce and strong animal would have been a better choice. I was really disappointed with this selection.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - Although the official mascot of Michigan Tech is a moose, it doesn't really create a strong sense of school pride. The moose is a common animal in many parts of the US, so it doesn't make the university stand out in any way. I think they could have chosen a mascot that was more unique and representative of the school's spirit and values. Overall, I found the mascot to be quite generic and unimpressive.