The hog mascot of Arkansas is a beloved symbol of the University of Arkansas. Known as the "Razorback", this mascot represents the fierce spirit and determination of the university's athletes. The Razorback is a wild boar with a distinctive red color and large tusks. It is a fitting symbol for the university's sports teams, as it embodies the tenacity and strength required to compete at a high level. The Razorback mascot has a long history at the University of Arkansas, dating back to the early 20th century. The origin of the mascot can be traced back to a game between the University of Arkansas and LSU in 1909.
This was the mighty animal that inspired Hugo Bezdek to proclaim his team had fought “like a wild band of razorback hogs” against LSU in 1909. To read more on the Bezdek legend, click here.
com is giving viewers a chance to learn more about Arkansas Athletics with a special series of 25 Things About the Arkansas Razorbacks You Might Not Know. The Razorback, characterized by a ridge back and its tenacious, wild fighting ability, immediately became a popular nickname, and one year after coach Bezdek s statement, the student body voted to change the official mascot to Razorbacks.
The origin of the mascot can be traced back to a game between the University of Arkansas and LSU in 1909. The Arkansas team displayed such ferocity and aggression that the LSU coach compared them to a "wild band of razorback hogs." The nickname stuck, and the Razorback became the official mascot of the university.
Five more things -- all mascot
While the University of Arkansas is on spring break, ArkansasRazorbacks.com is giving viewers a chance to learn more about Arkansas Athletics with a special series of 25 Things About the Arkansas Razorbacks You Might Not Know. For the five days, we’ll have installments of five different noteworthy factoids about Arkansas Athletics.
Day 1
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Wired Razorbacks ||
Day 2: We’re Top 25 ||
Day 3: Arkansas and the SEC
Day 4: A Mascot Like No Other ||
Day 5: America’s Best Facilities
| #16 – The One and Only Lions, Tigers and Bears – but oh my there is only one Razorback in college athletics. Perhaps the most distinct and unique college mascot, the Razorback is considered one of the top sports icons not just in the United States, but world wide. Any Razorback fan who has traveled the globe knows that wearing the distinctive classic hog on a shirt or hat is guaranteed to draw a Woo Pig Sooie in airports or city streets. In Division I sports, there literally is only one Razorback, and on the world stage, we only know of a few other sports franchises that use the name: a semi-pro German football squad, Sydney, Australia’s, pro basketball team and the North Queensland Razorbacks of the New Zealand soccer league. |
| #17 – Mess With the Hog and You Get the Tusk Tusk II is the current Razorback mascot, a strapping Russian boar. His predecessors in the role of Head Hog have quite a reputation. As a result, the Razorback mascot is often listed in the top two or three most dangerous mascots in all of sports. Former mascot Big Red III escaped from an exhibit near Eureka Springs in the summer of 1977 and ravaged the countryside before being gunned down by an irate farmer. Another live mascot, Ragnar, was a wild hog captured in south Arkansas by Leola farmer Bill Robinson. Before Ragnar’s spree was done, the mighty animal had killed a coyote, a 450-pound domestic pig and seven rattlesnakes. Ragnar died in 1978 of unknown causes. |
| #18 – Our Mascot Isn’t Plush Sure, Big Red – the official spirit squad mascot – and the Razorback family – Sue E, Pork Chop and Boss Hog – are friendly folks, but the real Razorback isn’t a Styrofoam cartoon character. Only a handful of colleges and universities that maintain a live mascot, Tusk II is the second generation Russian boar which serves as the ambassador for Arkansas Athletics. Cared for by the Stokes family of Russellville, Ark., Tusk travels to home events and special appearances for the Razorbacks. A legacy program is underway to insure future Tusks. Razorback fans who wish to contribute to the support of the live mascot can make donations to the Tusk Fund, care of the Razorback Foundation, Inc. |
| #19 – The Legend of the Hog Hat It is true; no Razorback fan’s closet is complete without an official Hog Hat. The original style was a hard plastic hat with a long snout, rough razorback ridges across the top and wickedly sharp, pointed curly-cue tail. The modern versions are often sculpted from softer material. Regardless, the Hog Hat is undoubtedly the most recognized piece of fan apparel in college athletics. Just ask ESPN GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit as he dons the traditional Hog Hat. |
| #20 – 100 Years of Razorbacks When football coach Hugo Besdek stepped of the train at the Fayetteville station in the late fall of 1909, the proclaimed the Arkansas football team played like a wild bunch of Razorbacks. Alluding to the Razorback, characterized by a ridge back and tenacious, wild fighting ability, Bezdek never forgot this idea and often called his team “a fighting band of Razorbacks.” This new nickname became increasingly popular and the student body voted to change the official University mascot from the Cardinal to the Razorbacks Next year, 2009-10 is the 100th anniversary of the mascot change. |
The tradition of having a live Razorback mascot attending football games and other events has been a fan favorite since the university's first hooved beast made its debut in the 1960s.
Since then, the Razorback has become an integral part of University of Arkansas tradition. The mascot can be seen at every athletic event, and its image can be found on the university's merchandise, signage, and even on the football field. The Razorback has become a powerful symbol of pride and unity for the university community. In addition to its symbolic significance, the Razorback also represents the university's commitment to excellence in athletics. The athletic teams at the University of Arkansas have achieved great success over the years, with the football and basketball teams consistently competing at a high level. The Razorback mascot serves as a reminder of the university's dedication to athletic achievement and the hard work and determination required to succeed. In conclusion, the Hog mascot of Arkansas, known as the Razorback, is a cherished symbol of the University of Arkansas. It represents the university's fierce spirit and determination, and serves as a reminder of the university's commitment to excellence in athletics. The Razorback mascot is not only an important tradition, but also a powerful symbol of pride and unity for the university community..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of the Hog Mascot in Arkansas"
1. Alice - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with the Hog mascot of Arkansas. Firstly, it wasn't very visually appealing. The costume looked cheap and poorly made. Secondly, the mascot didn't interact with the crowd at all. It just walked around aimlessly without any enthusiasm or energy. Overall, it was a lackluster performance and didn't add any excitement to the game.
2. John - 1 star: The Hog mascot of Arkansas was a complete letdown. It lacked creativity and originality. It felt like something thrown together last minute, without any thought or effort. It didn't engage with the audience or show any enthusiasm. The whole experience was just dull and unimpressive. Definitely not what I was expecting from a college sports mascot.
3. Sarah - 2 stars: I found the Hog mascot of Arkansas to be quite underwhelming. The design of the costume was outdated and unattractive. It didn't have a captivating presence or bring any excitement to the game. Additionally, the movements of the mascot were stiff and unnatural, further decreasing its appeal. It's a shame because a good mascot can really enhance the game experience, but this one fell short.