With all of the debate about Sparky’s new look whirling around campus, we here at Sparky’s Quill wanted to take a look at how our beloved mascot has evolved over the years.
Sparky today. Photo courtesy Google ImagesASU has actually had three different mascots throughout its history. When the school was opened in 1885, the students picked an owl to be its mascot. Later, when the name was changed for the first time to the Arizona State Teacher’s College, they changed its mascot to a bulldog. Around 1958, the school voted to become the Sun Devils and the bulldog mascot was thrown out. This is where we got our beloved Sparky the Sun Devil.
Sparky in 2008. Photo courtesy Google ImagesA few years after the name change, one alumnus (a former Disney illustrator) designed the 2D version of Sparky that we see branded on different sport T-shirts. Sparky holding lacrosse sticks, a baseball bat or even a Quidditch broom. What about the actual moving mascot? The one we see running around campus and doing push-ups at football games? He’s been through a couple changes since he was first introduced.
First, ASU had a Sparky that looked like he was really angry at you. Not really intimidating, just mad. He was still outfitted with the jersey and the track pants, like the modern Sparky.
The current Sparky is the most popular among students. Just the right amount of ferociousness and fun, he’s seen all over campus for many different events.
Recently, the new Sparky design was a throwback to the Disney background and, well, we all know what happened to him.
Sparky (hopefully) never. Photo courtesy Google ImagesWhether Sparky is going to get a new look this year or not, we’ve seen that ASU isn’t new to change throughout its history. We’ll be able to move forward and still show our Sun Devil pride just as much as the alumni before us.
Does Sparky’s history make you rethink the redesign? Drop us a line at sparkysquill@gmail.com or find us on Twitter @sparkysquill.
