Was the ASU mascot fight real?

During Arizona and Arizona State's rivalry game the two school's mascots fought just as hard as the players on the field. Except instead of fighting the opposing team on the field, they were seen coming to blows on the touchline.

What is the history of the ASU mascot?

Sparky was born on November 20th, 1946 as Arizona State University's Mascot after students voted for the college to change their name from the “Bulldogs” to the “Sun Devils”. Students, faculty, alumni, and season-ticket holders were given a voice again in 2013 when they voted on the current Sparky design.

Who inspired the face for Sparky the Sundevil?

It wasn't until 1946 that students voted to oust the Bulldog and replace it with the now-iconic Sun Devil, partly due to repeated requests run by The State Press. Berk Anthony, a former Disney animator, was tasked with designing Sparky's appearance.

Who designed the ASU Sun Devil?

Okay, here is where it gets fun: Two years later, ASU enlisted the talents of Berk Anthony, a Disney illustrator, and proud alumnus, to create a design for the newly adopted Sun Devil mascot. He created today's iconic look, initially just designing Sparky as a logo, not a fleshed-out character.

What is the history of the Arizona Wildcats mascot?

Wilbur the Wildcat originated with two University of Arizona roommates, Richard Heller and John Paquette. In 1959 with $100 from the Associated Students of the University of Arizona the roommates came up with the Wilbur costume and started a booster club called the Wilburs. Wilma the Wildcat appeared on March 1, 1986.

Arizona, Arizona State mascots get into fight - Sparky beats Wilbur

Why does Arizona say bear down?

“Bear Down?” In 1926, John Byrd “Button” Salmon, our student body president and quarterback, was critically injured in a car crash. His last words to his coach were, “Tell them … tell the team to bear down.” Today, this simple two-word phrase is a rallying cry that embodies the spirit of our university.

What is the Arizona Wildcats female mascot?

Wilma the Wildcat has been the iconic female mascot for the University of Arizona since 1986. Wilbur and Wilma “met on a blind date on March 1, 1986,” according to the UA's alumni website. “They were married on Nov. 21, 1986, before a football game against Arizona State University.

Why did ASU change their mascot?

The State Press, the student newspaper, ran frequent appeals during the fall of 1946, urging the Bulldog to be replaced by the new Sun Devil. On November 8, 1946, the student body voted 819 to 196 to make the change.

Why is it called Sun Devil?

The nickname, and therefore, the Sun Devils' mascot, comes from a weather phenomenon known as a whirlwind. In some places, it is referred to as a “dust devil” or a “dancing devil.”

What is famous in ASU?

Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country's most innovative school, Arizona State University also takes the top spot in the nation for sustainability (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) and global impact (Times Higher Education).

When did ASU become the Sun Devils?

The school adopted the moniker, the Sun Devils, on November 20, 1946. The trophy awarded after each game, the Territorial Cup, is the nation's oldest rivalry trophy. It is currently held by the University of Arizona.

What are some fun facts about ASU?

Sparky the Sun Devil, the university's mascot since 1946, was created by one-time Disney Studios employee Bert Anthony. According to Washington Monthly, ASU ranks #7 in terms of “colleges that deliver the most bang for the buck”. There are 493 classrooms spread across ASU's four campuses.

Who designed ASU Sparky?

Sparky was designed by artist and former Disney employee Berk Anthony in the late 1940s. But he was designed as a logo, not a mascot.

What were the ASU mascots before Sparky?

Not long after Arizona State changed from the bulldogs to the Sun Devils, Sparky the Sun Devil was born. Over the years, Sparky has become a much recognized and beloved athletic mascot that embodies the ASU spirit. Here, Sparky entertains football fans during a game in 1965.

What is a Sun Devil in the sky?

"Sun devil" a rainbow-like colored patch in the sky is caused by setting sun hitting patched of ice crystals at high altitude.

Has ASU football ever been ranked?

However, on January 17, 1976 Sporting News Ranked ASU as the #1 team in College Football for the 1975 season. The National Championship Foundation also recognized ASU as the #1 ranked team in the nation. ASU was also ranked #1 in 1970 by the Poling System (1935-1984).

What is the controversy with the Sun Devils?

The Arizona State football program has been mired in controversy over the past year due to a recruiting scandal that led to a recent self-imposed bowl ban for the 2023 season. The sanctions come as the culmination of an NCAA investigation that has already seen massive turnover on the Sun Devils coaching staff.

What university is the Sun Devil?

Men, women, and youth can all shop the largest selection of Arizona State Sun Devil's Gear from the Official Sun Devil Shop, with everything from game clothing to home and office decorations to computers and tablets. Check out our stores and make sure you are ready to cheer on the Sun Devil's this year!

Who is ASU biggest rivalry?

The Arizona–Arizona State football rivalry (also known as the Duel in the Desert) is a college football rivalry between the University of Arizona Wildcats (UA) and the Arizona State University Sun Devils (ASU).

Why did ASU switch to Adidas?

King says that Crow suggested “we combine our resources to look through the lens of sport and see how we could make a positive impact on the world. So this wasn't about making ASU a better university, it wasn't about making Adidas a better company, it was altruistic.”

What was ASU first called?

Arizona State University was founded in 1885—27 years before statehood—as the Arizona Territorial Normal School. Arizona State University was created as a normal school by the territorial legislature in 1885.

Is Wilbur a bobcat?

However, in 1959, Wilbur, the costumed version of the live bobcat mascots, began appearing at football games. He was extremely popular, and has stayed ever since. In 1986, Wilma Wildcat was created, and was even married to Wilbur.

What is Tempe Arizona mascot?

Through the years, the ASU mascot, Sparky the sun devil, has gone through significant changes in his appearance. This Tempe map from 1962 takes a humorous approach to Sparky, showing him in many different recreations and professions.