The Enduring Legacy of Goldy Gopher: A History of the University of Minnesota Mascot
Goldy Gopher, the beloved mascot of the University of Minnesota, is more than just a symbol; he's a representation of the university's history, spirit, and evolving identity. From his humble beginnings as a political cartoon character to his current status as a four-time UCA Mascot National Champion, Goldy's story is intertwined with the story of the University of Minnesota itself.
From "Gopher State" to Golden Gophers: The Origins
The connection between Minnesota and the gopher dates back to 1857 when Minnesota earned the nickname "Gopher State." This moniker originated from a political cartoon by R.O. Sweeney, a St. Paul political cartoonist, ridiculing a proposed $5 million Railroad Loan. The cartoon depicted railroad barons as striped gophers pulling a railroad car carrying the Territorial Legislature toward the "Slough of Despond," effectively associating the animal with political maneuvering and, perhaps, a bit of trickery.
While the state became known as the "Gopher State" in the mid-19th century, it wasn't until the 1920s that the University of Minnesota's athletic teams were widely referred to as the "Gophers." In 1934, Halsey Hall, a prominent Minnesota sportswriter and broadcaster, officially dubbed Bernie Bierman's all-gold uniformed team "The Golden Gophers," solidifying the name and color scheme that would become synonymous with the university's sports programs.
The First Embodiment: A Fuzzy Wool Suit
The physical embodiment of Goldy Gopher didn't appear until 1952. Jerome Glass, an assistant bandmaster at the University of Minnesota, purchased a fuzzy wool gopher suit complete with a papier-mâché head. He then asked a member of the marching band to wear the suit, bringing Goldy to life for the first time.
From 1952 to 1990, the student inside the Goldy Gopher costume was always a member of the University of Minnesota Marching Band. Each year, a band member was selected to don the suit for the season, adding their own unique personality and flair to the character. During the early 1960s, Goldy even had a specific role in the football pre-game and halftime shows.
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Visibility from within the suit was limited, and wearers who used glasses often found them fogging up. Despite these challenges, the band member portraying Goldy developed a unique way of interacting with the crowd. The marching band often protected Goldy from overly enthusiastic children.
Evolution of a Mascot: Design Changes and Personality
Over the years, Goldy's appearance has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting changing tastes and the evolving identity of the university.
Early Years: Until the early 1970s, Goldy's head was narrow and pointy-nosed, closely resembling a real gopher.
The Teddy Bear Era: In 1972, Goldy's look changed dramatically. He gained chubby cheeks and a wider, forward-looking face, taking on a more cherubic appearance. The gopher of the 1970s and early 1980s was often compared to a teddy bear, making him a favorite among children and the elderly.
The "Mega-Rodent": For a brief period in 1985, a fierce-looking "mega-rodent" appeared. This iteration of Goldy featured a barrel chest, clown feet, and sinister eyes.
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The Modern Goldy: By the 1990s, Goldy's look became closer to the gopher we know and love today. The athletic department began holding university-wide tryouts in 1990 to secure students who could cover the mascot's busy schedule.
George Grooms is credited with creating the first official Goldy image in the 1940s, featuring a smiling "gopher" wearing a hat with the letter M on it. In the 1950s, Goldy's look became more animated. In 1979, the University hired Bill Stein to draw a new look for Goldy, which consisted of the mascot waving and wearing a shirt. Some commented that this drawing of Goldy wasn't fierce enough as a college mascot. In 1985, Steve Wanvig was asked by the University to make a more aggressive look. This variation of Goldy was a buff gopher with a fierce expression, depicted to be wearing a sweater and charging. Students who preferred the old design formed a group called Save Our Wimp, who championed for the previous drawing's more mild design. Responding to the criticism, the University's athletics department asked Wanvig in 1986 to tone down Goldy, who was then drawn in the same style, but without huge muscles and with a friendlier expression.
Signature Moves and Traditions
Over time, Goldy has developed several signature moves and traditions that have become integral to the University of Minnesota experience.
Head Spinning: Perhaps Goldy's most famous move is head spinning, usually prompted by crowd chants of "Spin your head!" This tradition began at hockey games in the early 1990s and is often followed by chants of "Spin your body!" and occasionally "Spin your tail!"
Sledding Down the Stairs: During 1990s hockey games, Goldy would sometimes sled down the entirety of the Mariucci Arena staircase, a thrilling feat involving nearly 30 rows.
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Goldy Today: A National Champion and Campus Icon
Today, Goldy Gopher is a ubiquitous presence at the University of Minnesota. He makes over 1,000 appearances each year, attending virtually all home games for university teams and sporting the appropriate attire. Goldy also competes in the UCA Mascot National Championships and regularly places in the top three, securing national titles in 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2018. He was also nominated to the 2004, 2007, and 2010 Capital One All-American Mascot Team.
The students who portray Goldy maintain anonymity throughout their tenure, adding to the mystique and appeal of the character.
Whether he's spinning his head, interacting with fans, or simply cheering on the Golden Gophers, Goldy embodies the spirit of the University of Minnesota.
A Symbol of School Spirit: The Goldy Gopher Statue
In 2013, the University of Minnesota unveiled a bronze statue of Goldy Gopher outside Coffman Memorial Union. The statue, funded by contributions from students, faculty, family, alumni, and friends, stands six feet three inches tall and is made of bronze granite. Next to the statue is a solid granite "M" that is 63 inches in width, 24 Inches in depth, and 48 inches in height. It was sculpted by Nicholas Legeros, a Minnesota graduate from the fine arts academy.
The unveiling of the Goldy statue coincided with Goldy Gopher's birthday, and Governor Mark Dayton declared September 23, 2013, as Goldy Gopher Day.
According to tradition, rubbing Goldy's front teeth will bring good luck.
Other Minnesota Mascots
While Goldy Gopher is perhaps the most iconic Minnesota mascot, he is not alone. Other notable mascots in the state include:
Fairchild: The Minnesota State Fair mascot, named after Henry S. Fairchild.
Twinkie the Loon: The Twins' first mascot, who debuted in 1980 but was retired after two seasons.
T.C. Bear: The Twins' current mascot, introduced two decades after Twinkie the Loon's demise.
Crunch the Wolf: The Timberwolves' mascot, named after the Nestlé Crunch candy bar.
The Saint, Little Red Porkette, and Notorious P.I.G.: Mascots for the St. Paul Saints.
Nordy: The Minnesota Wild's mascot.
Rory the “Aurorasaurus”: The Aurora FC soccer club's mascot.
Prowl the Lynx: The Lynx mascot.
Mudonna the Pig: Another St. Paul Saints mascot.
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