Okay, so today I wanna talk about something a bit different: the TCU Horned Frog mascot.
It all started with me seeing this weird, spiky frog thing at a Texas Christian University game on TV. I was like, “What the heck is that?” So, I grabbed my phone and started digging.
Digging into the History
Turns out, it’s called a Horned Frog, and it’s not even a frog! It’s actually a lizard, the Texas horned lizard to be exact. These little guys are native to the area, and apparently, they were pretty popular around the TCU campus back in the day. I found out that TCU adopted the Horned Frog as their mascot way back in 1897.
From Real Lizards to SuperFrog
- First, I learned that they used to bring actual horned lizards to the games. Can you imagine?
- Then, they switched to a more traditional mascot costume in 1949. Makes sense, less chance of accidentally squishing the poor thing.
- Finally, I discovered that the current mascot, SuperFrog, debuted in 1979. He’s the buff, high-flying version we see today.
Why a Horned Lizard?
I was still curious about the “why,” so I kept reading. Apparently, these lizards are known for being tough and resilient. They can even shoot blood from their eyes! Pretty metal, right? I guess TCU wanted a mascot that represented strength and fighting spirit, and the Horned Frog fit the bill perfectly.
My Takeaway
Honestly, I went into this thinking it was just a silly-looking mascot. But I actually learned a lot about the history and symbolism behind it. It’s not just a random creature; it’s a representation of the university’s values and the local environment. I ended up pretty impressed. Plus I now know a cool fact for trivia night: horned frogs can shoot blood from their eyes!
