The Michigan mascot, the Wolverine, is an iconic symbol of the University of Michigan. Known for its fierce nature and tenacity, the wolverine perfectly represents the spirit and mentality of the university's athletic teams. The wolverine is a muscular and stocky animal, resembling a small bear or a large dog. It is known for its strong jaw and sharp teeth, which it uses to hunt and defend itself. Wolverines are also renowned for their endurance and ability to survive in harsh environments, making them a fitting symbol for the university's athletic teams, who are known for their strong work ethic and determination. The choice of the wolverine as the university's mascot can be traced back to the late 1920s when the football team was widely regarded as one of the toughest and most relentless in the country.
Biff the Michigan Wolverine Mascot
Biff. That’s the name of the big, bad, ferocious mascot of the University of Michigan Wolverines. In the Winter 2022 semester, there were fliers pasted all over campus making sure that everyone knew the UMich wolverine wasn’t sad and nameless (see pic of the fliers).
Not one to just believe everything posted on a flier (or anywhere else for that matter), I went about looking into the story of the UM mascot and if its name is Biff, how he got such a name.
First off, it’s true that the mascot’s first name was Biff. And the reason that’s his name comes from an actual live wolverine named Biff that once lived on campus in a cage (and at one point even attended UM football games), according to a 2007 article by Greg Kinney on the Bentley Historical Library’s website. Biff had a brother named Bennie that also used to attend the games in 1927. But as Biff and Bennie got older, they got more and more ferocious and did not appreciate being carted around in cages from the Detroit Zoo to games (at Ferry Field, home of Michigan football at the time). So Bennie went back to the zoo and Biff got a special home made for him on campus.
Now, that’s not the end of the story, as ten years later “the Chevrolet Motor Company donated a wolverine (as well as the cage to keep it in) to the University of Michigan. A contest was held to name the new mascot and “Intrepidus” was the winning entry,” so the Bentley article goes on to say. (Yes, there was once a car called Intrepid. It was made in the 90s by Dodge.)
A decade later, the Wolverine mascot story changes again. In 1948 a “wolverbear” was drawn and turned into a wonky costumed sideline mascot that became known as “Murderwolf,” according to MGoBlog.com. They also report that in the 90s, a new stuffed mascot was created by students and was named Willy. A “Murderwolf 2.0” then came about in the late 90s, officially called “Bennie.”
The name Biff may seem silly and old fashioned to us now in 2022, but the name comes from the old English word biff, which means to “punch, hit, or strike,” according to BeyondTheName.com. Nameberry.com adds, “Biff is boy’s name of American origin. The quintessential midcentury nickname, famously found in Arthur Miller’s play ‘Death of a Salesman'” (1949) and largely now associated with the idiotic athlete character and antagonist in the movie “Back to the Future” (played by Thomas F. Wilson).
The name Bennie means “blessed” or “strong, brave bear” according to ThinkBabyNames.com. It is a nickname of names like Ben, Benjamin, and Benedict, all which come from the Hebrew word ben, meaning son. It was at its height of popularity around the time the baby wolverine was adopted by UM.
Intrepidus is the Latin word for fearless, according to WordHippo.com. It also means undaunted and unshaken.
Willy is a nickname for the name William, which comes from the Germanic word wil, meaning will or desire plus the word helm, meaning helmet or protection, according to BabyNames.com.
- “The Wolverine Mascot” by UM Bentley
- “Yost wants a real wolverine, dead or alive” by MVictors.com
- The Michigan DailyOctober 22, 1927 (vol. 38, iss. 29)
- “A brief (alternate) history of Michigan mascots” by MGoBlog.com
- “Intrepidus” WordHippo.com
- “Biff” BeyondTheName.com
- “Biff” Nameberry.com
- “Bennie” and “Ben” ThinkBabyNames.com
- “William” BabyNames.com
Where does the Wolverines Mascot Come from in Michigan Fo.
When it comes to college football, few teams are as iconic as the University of Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines have a rich history and a passionate fan base that spans generations. One of the most recognizable symbols of the Michigan football program is their mascot, the Wolverines. But where did this mascot come from? In this article, we will delve into the origins of the Wolverines mascot in Michigan football and explore its significance to the team and its fans.
The choice of the wolverine as the university's mascot can be traced back to the late 1920s when the football team was widely regarded as one of the toughest and most relentless in the country. The team's aggressive style of play, as well as their success on the field, led to them being nicknamed the "Wolverines." The nickname stuck and eventually became the official mascot of the university.
The Early Years
The University of Michigan football program dates back to 1879, making it one of the oldest and most storied programs in the country. However, it wasn't until several years later that the Wolverines mascot made its first appearance. In 1927, the university's student newspaper, The Michigan Daily, held a contest to choose a new nickname for the football team. The winning entry was "Wolverines," a nod to the state animal of Michigan.
Over the years, the wolverine has become an integral part of Michigan sports culture. It can be seen adorning team uniforms, merchandise, and facilities. The wolverine is often depicted as a fierce and determined creature, embodying the competitive spirit and resilience of the university's athletes. Furthermore, the wolverine is not only a mascot but also a symbol of pride and identity for students and alumni. Whether it's at a football game or any other sporting event, seeing the wolverine mascot on full display is a source of inspiration and enthusiasm for fans and players alike. In conclusion, the Michigan mascot, the wolverine, is a powerful symbol of the University of Michigan's athletic prowess and determination. It represents the relentless spirit and endurance of the university's teams, and serves as a source of pride and identity for students and alumni. The wolverine is truly an iconic figure in the world of college sports, and its presence at Michigan sporting events is a testament to the university's rich athletic tradition..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Mystique of Michigan's Wolverine Mascot"
1. Melissa - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Michigan mascot wolverine. First of all, it looked nothing like a real wolverine. The costume was cheesy and poorly made. Secondly, the person inside the costume didn't even know how to interact with the crowd properly. They just stood there awkwardly, not engaging with the fans at all. Overall, I felt like the whole mascot experience was a letdown and it didn't add any excitement or spirit to the game.
2. Brian - 1/5 stars - The Michigan mascot wolverine was a complete joke. It felt like someone threw together a cheap costume in their basement. The colors were off, the fabric was cheap, and the design was lackluster. On top of that, the person inside the costume was clearly inexperienced. They were clumsy and uncoordinated, and it was actually a bit embarrassing to watch. I expected a lot more from such a prestigious university. Definitely not worth the hype.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really unimpressed with the Michigan mascot wolverine. It was not at all what I expected. The costume looked like something you could buy off a discount Halloween store. It lacked creativity and originality. Additionally, the movements of the person inside the costume were robotic and stiff, making it difficult to connect with the fans. I think the university needs to invest in a better mascot that truly represents their spirit and enthusiasm.