Ohio University - Athena Yearbook (Athens, OH)

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; liii by doug engle ' V doug engle m by paul ' ■ UPPER LEFT Ohio ' s numba one ' . LOWER LEFT Go Ohio! ' UPPER RIGHT Cheerleaders (n i ' iv to gel the crowd exci- ted. FAR RIGHT Homecoming parade LOWER RIGHT Helping the crowd to spell.

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Cheerleaders BBSBaaasaizai by doug engle

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Mascot The Ohio University Bobcat and Bobkitten are two of the most highly guarded secrets still alive today. However, their history is well publicized. In 1925, the members of the athletic board contemplated an official nickname for OU to replace Ohio or the Green White. They decided the best way to accomplish this was to sponsor a contest where hundreds of names and logos were submitted. After much debate, the Bobcat was declared the winner. About 35 years later, the ' animal debu- ted at the Homecoming football game against Miami. The Bobcats defeated the Redskins and on October 1, 1960, the Bobcat became known as a ' good luck charm. This Bobcat clad was dressed in a bright green sweater and an Ohio baseball cap on his paper-mache head. Now the task to bring the Bobcat to life had begun. The most difficult part was the head; it was sent to France for construction. The clad was a present from the men of Lincoln Hall and the $250 cost was deducted from the social fund of their hall. The final consideration of the committee was who was going to give life to the Bobcat. That lucky person was Dan Nichols who set the precedent that all Mr. Bobcats must live in Lincoln Hall and his identity must remain a secret. The Campus Affairs Committee then decided that the Bobcat would be a permanent member of the cheerleading squad and would cheer at all football and basketball games. As far as the Bobkitten history is concerned, not much is known. It was originated by the girls of Howard Hall, but the uniform was vacated when the resid- ence hall was torn down in 1972. Presently, the Bobkitten is being worn only by the sisters of Chi Omega. No one knows how the transformation originated. The Bobcat and Bobkitten are still the most guarded secrets of the University. But then again, some things should remain that wav. BY ELLEN GLASER