The Reign of Big Blue: A History of Old Dominion University's Mascot
Big Blue, the lion with the wild-looking head, has been Old Dominion University's (ODU) official mascot for nearly half a century, embodying the spirit, energy, and pride of the university. As the face of ODU Athletics, Big Blue brings excitement to every game, event, and student activity. While he wasn't always the beloved figure he is today, his evolution reflects the changing identity and growing spirit of ODU.
The Early Days: From Braves to a "Seedy-Looking Lion"
Before Big Blue, the athletic teams of the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary (as Old Dominion was formerly called) were known as the Braves, a derivation of the William & Mary nickname, the Indians. After ODU became independent from the College of William & Mary in 1962, Old Dominion College adopted a mace and crown as their symbols in publications and athletics, while lacking an official mascot. The nickname "Old Dominion" itself was coined to the Virginia colony by King Charles II after Virginia's loyalty to the crown during the English Civil War. The name Monarchs evokes much of the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and of Old Dominion's mother institution, the College of William & Mary. The Monarch used by Old Dominion has a royal crown on a lion's head, representing a rich history and a strong future.
Big Blue made his debut during a basketball game in December 1971 and wasn't exactly a roaring success. According to a staff writer for the Troubadour, the yearbook at the time, he was a "seedy-looking lion." Harry Lozon, a former student and class of 1970, was selected from a committee of faculty and alumni to be the first person to wear the costume. Ironically, the first costume was more orange than blue, and when trying to dye the costume made it more grey-green than blue, the university had to hire a seamstress to sew on powder blue fake fur to approximate the school colors at the time.
Evolution of an Icon: From Fierce to Friendly
Through the 1970s and into the 1980s, Big Blue underwent a significant transformation, evolving from a fierce lion into a soft, friendly one. He went through a few transitions, including a huge yellow crown in the '80s, before his current look - a lovable face with wide eyes, beaming smile and giant whiskers. By the 1990s and early 2000s, Big Blue morphed into his current look with little changes over the years.
Big Blue Today: Mascot of the Year and Campus Celebrity
Today, Big Blue's appeal spans generations. He's known for entertaining the audience, dancing for fans, gesturing to opponents and sometimes even crowd-surfing. At the NCAA basketball tournament game against Purdue, Big Blue drew smiles and cheers from many young ODU fans when he challenged the Boilermaker, Purdue's mascot, to meet him at half-court. Nearly every student I passed on Kaufman Mall popped over to give me a high five.
Read also: A Look at Old Dominion Sports
In 2011, Big Blue was voted as the Capital One National Mascot of the Year. In addition to athletic games, Big Blue is also known to show up to other events across campus including Commencement and Convocation.
The Big Blue Experience
Donning the Big Blue suit is no easy feat. The fur suit feels like a weighted overcoat and doesn't allow a scintilla of body heat to escape. Jason Chandler, the associate athletic director who's in charge of promotions, said two people share the job during football games. Seeing through the oversized lion head is incredibly difficult.
Despite the challenges, being Big Blue is a rewarding experience. Whether it's posing for selfies with high school students touring the campus, offering hugs and high-fives to students during exams, or crashing a neighborhood party, Big Blue brings joy and excitement to those around him.
A Symbol of Good Luck: The Big Blue Statue
In October 2013, a seven-foot-tall bronze sculpture of Big Blue was unveiled in Webb University Center to start a new campus tradition. Students take their photograph with Big Blue at the start and end of their Monarch journey. The statue was conceived by the Student Government Association (SGA) and created by sculptor Richard Stravitz. Throughout their time at Old Dominion, students can rub Big Blue’s belly for good luck and prosperity.
Becoming Big Blue: Embracing the Monarch Spirit
For those passionate about ODU and with the energy to match, becoming Big Blue is a unique opportunity. The role requires physical fitness (stamina, agility, and strength), commitment (availability for numerous events), and the ability to work in a team (collaborating with the ODU Athletic Department, cheerleaders, and other student organizations).
Read also: Paying for ODU
The application process involves submitting an application with a personal statement, participating in an audition (physical tests and an energy/interaction challenge), and potentially an interview. If selected, you will go through a training program that covers costume handling, mascot performance, crowd engagement techniques, and much more! Big Blue receives a small scholarship stipend, if the student meets academic requirements.
The Royal Connection: Lions, Monarchs, and the Stuart Dynasty
The lion with a crown mascot comes from the Stuart Dynasty’s coat of arms. Lions have been a symbol for royalty for the English and Scottish thrones for nearly a millennium. Even the current monarch of the United Kingdom, Charles III still uses many lions in his heraldry. But more specifically, so did Charles II and the rest of the Stuart Dynasty.
The nickname "Monarchs" and the imagery of lions and crowns connect ODU to a rich history.
Read also: A Guide to ODU Scholarships
tags: #old #dominion #university #mascot #history
