The University of Iowa's mascot is Herky the Hawk. Herky has been the official mascot of the university since 1959. He is a black and gold hawk with a fierce expression and bulging muscles. Herky is a beloved figure on campus and at athletic events. He can be seen cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes football team during home games at Kinnick Stadium. He also makes appearances at other sporting events, such as basketball and wrestling matches.
U of iowa mascot
Herky the Hawk is at the forefront of the University of Iowa, providing the BLACK and GOLD at intercollegiate athletics and UI campus/community events staged annually at the University of Iowa, throughout the state and nationally. Herky attends over 500 hours of events during a year.
Herky the Hawk leads 70,000 Hawkeye fans inside Kinnick Stadium as they cheer for the nationally-ranked Iowa Football team.
Crowds of up to 15,500 who cheer on Iowa’s men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball teams rely on the energy of Herky the Hawk at events staged inside Carver Hawkeye Arena and Extreme Arena.
Hawkeye Fans around Iowa Athletics can see Herky the Hawk at their events cheering on their favorite athletes, all while stopping for a picture or two or ten with his mass of fans at each of the events.
Herky the Hawk is a full-time ambassador for the University of Iowa. The iconic mascot can be seen around campus, around the state, and even around the Nation, making Hawkeye Fans stand up for the Black and Gold and yell ‘Let’s Go Hawks!’. Herky The Hawk also represents Iowa at UCA College Nationals.
A unique way to represent the Iowa Hawkeyes while getting an education from one of the premiere universities in the Big Ten.
A great way experience college and get make some unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
STATS:
- Iconic mascot of the University of Iowa since 1948
- Made into a public art display with the 2004 & 2014 Herkys On Parade Campaign around Iowa City, IA
- Placed 4th at UCA College Nationals in 2015
Herky the Hawk Commitment
Summer
- All schedule information will be given at the first meeting for the 2021-2022 Spirit Squads.
- PR events will happen throughout the summer.
- Mandatory Pre Camp Practice will be held two weeks prior to UCA camp.
- UCA Camp (usually the first week of August in Wisconsin Dells, WI).
School Year:
- YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES AND GAMES.
- Meetings begins one week prior to the start of classes.
- Meeting/Practice: At a time determined by the team – once weekly
- PR Event schedule varies weekly – team members are expected to be flexible
- Practice/PR Events over Winter Break: dependent on competition at UCA College Nationals in January
Special Events/Appearances:
- Herky the Hawk is required to attend events sponsored by the athletic department. These include, but are not limited to Football Games, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games, Volleyball Games, Wrestling Meets, Gymnastics Meets, as well as other requests as they come up.
- Herky the Hawk works at all Iowa Spirit Squad fundraisers.
- Herky the Hawk is required to attend assigned Public Relations events. Team members are expected to share the responsibility of the events.
Expenses:
- All travel, hotel accommodations, per diem, practice apparel (Nike/Varsity), shoes, uniforms, costumes and choreography expenses are provided by the University of Iowa Spirit Squad.
- Optional apparel, i.e. team sweats, will be paid by the individual.
- In the event you do not finish the season or are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the University of Iowa for payments made on your behalf.
Scholarships:
- Scholarships are available to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year members, as well as a few financial need scholarships, through the Mary Lee Hawkeye Spirit Fund.
“History of the University of Iowa Mascots”
At Fry Fest 2013 we were fortunate to display my artwork in the Collector’s Showcase next to the world’s biggest collector of Hawkeye memorabilia Lonny Tanner, an Iowa farmer and father of 6 girls. I had never heard of the University of Iowa’s first mascot “Burch” the bear, featured in person on campus, at home football games and on pennants over 100 years ago, 1908-1909. According to the Daily Iowan, the arrival of Burch from Idaho in 1908 had been heralded as a good omen for the team, but a disastrous football season ensued and Burch fell out of favor with Iowa fans. Students quit wrestling with him as he grew larger and more ferocious. Sadly, Burch met an untimely death when he escaped out his pen (located in the old Iowa Field), was lost for over a week and then fell through the ice on the Iowa River and drowned. When he heard of Burch’s fate, Burch’s guardian “Jimmy” who was the “venerable” mower of the Iowa Field, dissed the poor bear saying “Well, he was no kind o’ use anyhow.” When questioned further, Jimmy admitted to fearing that Burch’s ghost would return to haunt the campus and in that event, a new caretaker would be needed immediately. Mr Dill, local taxidermist was unable to preserve Burch’s body, but did preserve the head, and it was placed in the museum. The next mention of a mascot was in 1927 when “Rex” the dog arrived on campus as the ROTC and University of Iowa mascot. Rex reigned from 1927 to 1932 when he died of old age and kidney trouble, and was replaced by his grandson Rex II who very sadly also fell through the Iowa River ice and drowned March 1, 1935. According to the DI, Rex was a purebred Great Dane weighing nearly 200 lbs who could talk and had an encouraging conversation on the practice field with Coach Ossie Solem on Monday May 2, 1932. It was not until 1948 that a hawk named “Herky” (“Hercules”) arrived on the scene. According to the DI, the bird’s first appearance on campus was Friday Oct. 5, 1956 at the first pep rally of the season. Herky, the real bird, is included in the painting perched on top of the entrance to the first Iowa Field, remnants of which can be found on our campus just west of the main library on the east side of campus. Herky has undergone several renovations to become our present day favorite. I have included the new and old stadiums to provide a historical retrospective, showcasing the three mascots representing over 107 years of University of Iowa history.
Thanks to Lonny Tanner and his associates, and my husband Tom Aunan for all the research and info which helped in the making of this painting of the history of the University of Iowa mascots. Thank you to UI Library archivist David McCartney for help finding all this information, especially articles from the Daily Iowan.
Why your mascot sucks: University of Iowa
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He also makes appearances at other sporting events, such as basketball and wrestling matches. The origins of Herky the Hawk can be traced back to 1948, when the university's head cheerleader, Dick Spencer, came up with the idea for a hawk mascot. The idea was to have a mascot that represented the fierceness and determination of the Iowa athletic teams.
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Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Herky The Hawk, Iowa’s mascot for the last 70 years, is a hawk, of some sort and proclaims on his Twitter that he is the “best mascot in the State of Iowa!”
Also, I don’t know if I would go that far.
The Iowa State mascot stole my camera and is doing my job pic.twitter.com/VrufMi4Ttx
— shanna rose (@SMR1837) March 11, 2017
OK, maybe he is. but still it’s a weird brag for your Twitter profile.
Since then, Herky has become an important symbol of the university's spirit and pride. He is often seen interacting with fans, posing for pictures, and leading cheers. His presence adds excitement and energy to games and events, and he is a source of pride for students, alumni, and fans alike. In addition to his role as the university's mascot, Herky is also involved in community outreach and charity work. He visits local schools and hospitals, spreading joy and positivity to those he meets. Overall, Herky the Hawk is an iconic and beloved figure at the University of Iowa. He represents the spirit, pride, and determination of the university, and his presence adds excitement and energy to games and events..
Reviews for "Sports Traditions and the University of Iowa Mascot"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the University of Iowa mascot. As an alumnae of the university, I expected a mascot that would embody the spirit and tradition of the school. However, the choice of a hawk as the mascot seems arbitrary and unrelated to the university's identity. It lacks the charm and uniqueness that other schools' mascots possess. I feel that the university missed an opportunity to create a mascot that truly represents the Hawkeye spirit and resonates with the community.
2. Emily - 2 stars
The University of Iowa mascot, named Herky the Hawk, is quite underwhelming. It lacks the energy and excitement that a mascot should bring to a university. Herky's design is also outdated and unappealing. It feels like something from the past century, rather than an emblem that can inspire school spirit. I believe the university should reconsider their mascot and come up with something that can better connect with students and alumni.
3. Tom - 1 star
I find the University of Iowa mascot to be one of the most uninspiring mascots in college sports. The choice of a hawk as the mascot lacks creativity and originality. When I think of other schools' mascots, they often have unique and memorable characteristics that add to the school spirit. Unfortunately, Herky the Hawk fails to capture that essence. It's a forgettable mascot that does little to enhance the overall experience of being a Hawkeye.
4. Sarah - 2 stars
The University of Iowa mascot, Herky the Hawk, is a disappointment. It lacks charisma and fails to energize the crowd during sporting events. The design of the mascot is also questionable. The proportions seem off, and it doesn't have a friendly or approachable appearance. Overall, Herky the Hawk is not a mascot that I would proudly rally behind or feel excited about. It's time for the university to consider a new and more captivating mascot.