The Story of the Pride: A History of Slippery Rock University’s Mascots
Why Mascots?
What defines university culture? Some schools, like the ivy leagues, are known for their academics while others, like Penn State, are known for their athletic teams. However, academics and athletics only make up small parts of university culture. So, what can single-handedly define university culture?
Mascots do more for their organization than just walk around the stadium and interact with kids. They have become the face of their organization and are responsible for making sure that everyone is included in the campus culture that they are living in. They are the living embodiments of the organization that they represent. Characters like Penn State’s Nittany Lion and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Gritty not only appear at sporting events, but they embody the personality of their organization and give it recognition. Not only that, but they also bring people together through generations.
Slippery Rock University is no stranger to the culture of mascots. In this webpage, you will see the beginning of modern SRU culture with Rocky the Rock, get to know our current mascot, Rocky, Pride of the Rock, and everything in between. Along the way you will hear the voices of the people that brought these characters to life and you will see first hand the impact that these characters had and continue to have on SRU culture. We hope you learn something new, have some fun, and gain a new appreciation for the characters that define our university.
“…the players might change from that year-to-year perspective. But your mascot’s one of those big pieces that are always going to be constant.”
-Brandon Berns on the culture of mascots
“I just think the culture, spirit, and team camaraderie and student body supporting athletic teams and supporting one another, and just to have some fun.”
-Paul Lueken on the culture of mascots
Proof of the Pride
- Bob Jones Reveal (video)
- Videos of all 3 mascots
- Rocky Performs with the Marching Band