The Soaring Story of Lehigh University's Mascot: From Engineers to Mountain Hawks
Lehigh University, a private research university nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1865 by businessman Asa Packer. While renowned for its academic prowess, particularly in engineering, Lehigh also boasts a vibrant athletic program. Known as the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, these teams compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Patriot League, showcasing their talents in a variety of sports. But the story of the Mountain Hawks is not just about athletic achievements; it's also about the evolution of the university's identity, reflected in its changing mascots.
From Engineers to "L Train": The Early Years
The athletic teams at Lehigh University were founded in 1865. For many years, the teams were known as the Engineers, a nod to the university's strong engineering program and its founder, Asa Packer, who initially envisioned the institution as a technical school. This connection was further solidified by a logo used during the 1950s and 1960s, depicting a giant Lehigh Engineer peering through a surveyor's transit, with an airliner soaring overhead and a diesel passenger train chugging below.
As the university evolved, so did its student body. Following the advent of coeducation in 1971, the percentage of students enrolled in engineering declined. This shift prompted a re-evaluation of the "Engineers" moniker, leading to the adoption of a new logo in the 1980s: a train locomotive with an "L" emblazoned on the front. This "L train" logo served as a symbol of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, a crucial element of the region's industrial heritage and a company in which Asa Packer was a principal investor. The "L Train" also reflected motion, energy, and a drive for development, conveying progress, aspiration for new achievements, and continuous forward movement.
The Birth of the Mountain Hawk: A New Era
In the mid-1990s, a student-based movement emerged, advocating for a mascot that better represented the university's diverse student body and its location in the scenic Lehigh Valley, near the Pocono Mountains. In November 1995, Lehigh University introduced the Mountain Hawk as its new mascot, replacing the "L train." The Lehigh Student Senate officially voted in the Mountain Hawk as the new mascot soon after. The emblem depicted a hawk flying against a mountain backdrop, reflecting aspirations for renewal and a modern image. The university is located in the valley of Bethlehem, near the Pocono Mountains, which are featured in the logo’s composition. This detail emphasizes the university’s geographic connection to the region. Previously, parts of these mountains were used for resource extraction, which played an essential role in the city’s steel industry development. In the image, the hawk spreads its wings, lifting the names of the university and the valley - Lehigh. Its figure represents speed, agility, and strength. The logo is rendered in a white and brown color scheme, aligning it with other symbols of Bethlehem. This color combination became the basis for another team nickname.
This decision, however, was not without controversy. Some alumni, like Robert Freidenrich ('60), felt that the "Engineers" mascot was more appropriate, representing Lehigh's long-standing traditions and values. In 1996, controversy arose the following year, when the school's nickname was changed to the Mountain Hawks. Despite the change, the university continues to acknowledge its history by listing all three nicknames - Engineers, Brown & White, and Mountain Hawks - in its media guides.
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Clutch: The Embodiment of the Mountain Hawk Spirit
In 2008, the Mountain Hawk received a name: Clutch. The selection of "Clutch" was the result of a university-wide naming contest, with the name chosen because it contains the letters "LU" for Lehigh University.
The logo received its current design in 2003. It is built around a large letter “L,” over which the head of a hawk named Clutch is placed. The hawk is aggressive; its sharp beak is open, giving it a combative spirit and a winner’s character. The logo’s color scheme includes earth tones, such as brown and beige, emphasizing historical traditions and the university’s connection to local nature. A distinctive feature of the symbol is the emerald-green color of the hawk’s eyes, accentuating expressiveness and adding individuality to the entire composition.
Clutch embodies the spirit of Lehigh athletics. The student who currently performs as Clutch at Lehigh sporting events said it is exciting to be the mascot on campus. The identity of Clutch purposefully remains anonymous, but it is known that there are a handful of people who fill the role. The mascot attends various sporting events, spirit meetings, and community events, interacting with students and fans.
Lehigh Athletics: More Than Just a Mascot
Beyond the mascot, Lehigh University boasts a strong athletic tradition. The Lehigh Mountain Hawks participate in NCAA Division I competition as a member of the Patriot League. The university is especially known for its football rivalry with Lafayette College, the most frequently played matchup in college football history, known as The Rivalry. As of 2023, the teams have met 159 times.
Lehigh has very successful programs in both baseball (men) and softball (women). Lehigh is also competitive in men's and women's basketball. The Mountain Hawks men's basketball team is best known for its first-round game in the 2012 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament as a #15 seed on March 16, 2012 against the #2 seed Duke Blue Devils. The varsity football team competes at the Division I FCS level. Lehigh is a highly respected FCS program with a rich tradition. Lehigh won the 1977 Division II National Championship by defeating Jacksonville State 33-0 in the Pioneer Bowl. The Engineers were 1979 1-AA National Runners-up after falling to Eastern Kentucky in the title game. Lehigh has ten Patriot League championships, which is the most amongst league members.
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Lehigh's wrestling team competes in the EIWA and has a strong tradition in the sport dating back to 1910. Over its history, Lehigh has won 34 EIWA team championships and 203 Lehigh wrestlers have won EIWA individual championships. The team regularly places among the top 10 at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and is considered one of nation's best collegiate wrestling programs.
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