The bulldog mascot is perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of Mississippi State University. Known as "Bully," this iconic figure serves as the embodiment of the university's spirit, strength, and determination. **One of the main ideas here is that the bulldog mascot represents the spirit, strength, and determination of Mississippi State University.** Bully has been a part of Mississippi State's traditions since 1935, when a stray bulldog wandered onto the campus and was adopted by the students. Since then, several bulldogs have held the honored position of being the university's mascot. **Another important idea is that the bulldog mascot has a long history at Mississippi State University, dating back to 1935.
Mississippi State fans have been ringing cowbells at their football games since the early 1900s. It's a tradition that has become synonymous with Mississippi State Athletics and one of the loudest collegiate football experiences in the country!
When asked about cowbells during his tenure as head coach of Mississippi State, Jackie Sherrill was quoted saying It s part of our program; it s like having 12th Man on special teams. Fans began bringing cowbells to games as a way to show support for the team, mimicking the sound of a bull chasing away intruders from their practices.
**Another important idea is that the bulldog mascot has a long history at Mississippi State University, dating back to 1935.** Mississippi State's choice of a bulldog as their mascot is not without purpose. Bulldogs are known for their tenacity, courage, and loyalty - qualities that reflect the values and character of the university.
Bulldog mascot representing Mississippi State
Mississippi State University’s athletic teams are called Bulldogs, a name earned and maintained over the decades by the tough, tenacious play of student-athletes wearing the Maroon and White. The official school mascot is an American Kennel Club-registered English Bulldog, given the inherited title of ‘Bully.’
AdvertisementAs with most universities, Mississippi State University teams answered to different nicknames through the years. The first squads representing Mississippi A&M College were proud to be called Aggies. When the school officially became Mississippi State College in 1932, the nickname Maroons, for MSU’s uniform color, gained prominence. Bulldogs became the official title for State teams in 1961, not long after State College was granted university status.
Yet references to school teams and athletes as Bulldogs actually go back to early in the century, and this nickname was used almost interchangeably with both Aggies and Maroons, since at least 1905.
On November 30 of that year, the A&M football team shut out their arch-rivals from the University of Mississippi 11-0 in Jackson, Miss. The campus newspaper, The Reflector, reported: “After the game, filled with that emotion that accompanies every great victory, there was nothing left for the cadets to do but to complete the great victory by showing sympathy for the dead athletic spirit of the University, by having a military funeral parade.
“A coffin was secured, decorated with University colors and a bulldog pup placed on top. It was then placed on the shoulders of a dozen cadets, and the procession started down Capitol Street, preceded by the brass band playing a very pathetic funeral march.”
Other newspaper reports of the victory commented on the ‘bulldog’ style of play by the A&M eleven, and the Bulldog was soon publicly accepted as a school athletic symbol. Accounts of a 1926 pep rally in Meridian, Miss., had another bulldog parading with students.
BULLY XXI, “JAK”
At Super Bulldog Weekend 2015, the Bulldog family celebrated the passing of the harness, as Bully XXI, known as “Jak,” accepted mascot duties from his father Bully XX, fondly called “Champ.”
While Jak entered the 2015 season less than a year old, Champ turned 10 around the 2015 season opener. When mascot handlers realized Bully was getting toward retiring age, though he’s still in good health, a female bulldog was selected based on her pedigree and history. Following the female’s selection, the litter of mascot-sired puppies were evaluated.
Jak’s formal name is “Cristil’s Golden Prince,” and the American Kennel Club-registered English Bulldog was born in October 2014, soon after the legendary Jack Cristil passed away. Naming the newest Bully for the legendary Voice of the Bulldogs who called football and basketball games for 58 years was a fitting choice.
OFFICIAL MASCOT IN 1935
Use as an official game mascot began in 1935 when coach Major Ralph Sasse, on ‘orders’ from his team, went to Memphis, Tenn., to select a bulldog. Ptolemy, a gift of the Edgar Webster family, was chosen and the Bulldogs promptly defeated Alabama 20-7.
A litter-mate of Ptolemy became the first mascot called ‘Bully’ shortly after Sasse’s team beat mighty Army 13-7 at West Point that same year - perhaps the greatest victory in MSU football history. But Bully I earned other fame the hard way, in 1939 when a campus bus cut short his career.
Days of campus mourning followed, as Bully lay in state in a glass coffin. A half-mile funeral procession accompanied by the Famous Maroon Band and three ROTC battalions went to Scott Field where Bully was buried under the bench at the 50-yard line. Even Life magazine covered the event. Other Bullys have since been buried by campus dorms, fraternity houses, and also at the football stadium. For years Bully was a target for kidnappers, the last incident occurring prior to the 1974 State-Ole Miss game. The Bulldog team won anyway, 31-13. While early Bullys once roamed campus freely or lived in fraternities, today the official university mascot is housed at the School of Veterinary Medicine when not on duty at State home football games. For all their fierce appearance and reputation, today’s mascot bulldogs are good-natured, friendly animals and favorites with children.
A student wearing a Bulldog suit, also answering to Bully, is part of the MSU cheerleading team and assists in stirring up State spirit at games and pep rallies.
The bulldog's fierce appearance and determined stance instill a sense of pride and unity among the Mississippi State community. **The choice of a bulldog as the mascot aligns with the qualities and values that Mississippi State University holds dear.** On game days, Bully can be seen leading the university's athletic teams into battle with an air of confidence and charisma. The bulldog's presence and energy energize the crowd, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The sight of Bully charging across the field ignites the pride and passion within the hearts of the Mississippi State faithful. **Bully's presence at games creates a sense of camaraderie and excitement among fans.** In addition to their role at sporting events, Bully also serves as a symbol of the university's connection to the state of Mississippi. The bulldog stands as a representation of the collective strength and resilience of the Mississippi State community, both on and off the field. **The bulldog serves as a symbol of Mississippi State University's connection to the state and its community.** In conclusion, the bulldog mascot is a powerful representation of Mississippi State University's spirit and values. Through its fierce appearance and determined demeanor, the mascot embodies the strength, tenacity, and loyalty that define the university. Whether it's leading the athletic teams to victory or igniting pride among fans, the bulldog mascot holds a special place in the hearts of Mississippi State supporters, symbolizing the university's unwavering commitment to excellence..
Reviews for "Shaping the State: The Cultural Impact of Mississippi State's Bulldog Mascot"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in the choice of a bulldog mascot to represent Mississippi State. In my opinion, it's an outdated and overused stereotype of aggression and dominance. It sends the wrong message to students, faculty, and visitors about the values and image of the university. I would have preferred to see a more progressive and inclusive mascot that reflects the diversity and values of the institution.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As an animal lover, I find it troubling that Mississippi State University chose a bulldog as their mascot. Bulldogs are a breed with numerous health issues, and promoting them as a symbol for the university only perpetuates the demand for these dogs, leading to more breeding and suffering. I believe universities should be ethical and responsible in their choices, and I find it disappointing that Mississippi State did not consider these factors when selecting their mascot.
3. Maria - 3 stars - While I understand that the bulldog has a long history as the mascot of Mississippi State, I personally find it to be an uninspiring and unoriginal choice. There are so many other unique and interesting options that could have been considered to represent the university. I believe a mascot should be a source of pride, excitement, and unity, but the bulldog fails to capture that for me. I think Mississippi State missed an opportunity to think outside the box and come up with something truly innovative and representative of their institution.
4. Mike - 2 stars - I've never been a fan of using animals as mascots, and the choice of a bulldog for Mississippi State feels like just another cliché. It lacks creativity and uniqueness. Additionally, I find the aggressive and intimidating image associated with bulldogs to be counterproductive to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment on campus. I believe mascots should be chosen with more thought and consideration to the values and aspirations of the university they represent.