Bascom Hill Society Flipbook | University of Wisconsin Foundation

Bill Sagal ’51, the first human Bucky Badger mascot, at a University of Wisconsin football game. Bucky was first introduced at a pep rally on Friday, November 11, 1949, before the next day’s Homecoming game against Iowa (Wisconsin 35, Iowa 13). Bucky was officially named Buckingham U. Badger, a name suggested by Bill Sachse ’50, chair of the Pep Committee. Carolyn (Connie) Conrad, a UW art student, designed the original chicken wire and papier-mâché head. Sagal, then head cheerleader, wore his regular cheerleader trousers and sweater and added boxing gloves. 1949