Goldy Gopher is the mascot for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus and the associated sports teams, known as the Golden Gophers, as well as the defending UCA Mascot National Champion. During the year, Goldy makes over 1000 appearances and is at virtually all home games for University teams, usually wearing the appropriate sporting attire.
[edit] History
The University's Marching Band was in charge of Goldy until 1992. Up until that time when it was taken from the band and given to the athletic department, Goldy would be in every pregame and halftime show of the band. Each week a new band member would be Goldy, and the mouth could open wide enough so the person could play his or her instrument while marching the drill that Goldy was doing for that show.
The mascot's appearance morphed over the years, and around the late 70s and early 80s, became more aggressive looking, but was revamped in 1986 when the athletics department was trying to change its image.[1]
The students that portray Goldy maintain anonymity throughout their tenure. They are also recognized as student athletes due to their vigorous schedule and amount of work that goes into it.
[edit] National Competitions
Goldy also competes in the UCA Mascot National Championships,[2] and regularly makes the top 5. He placed 3rd in 2009 and 2010. Goldy won his first National Championship in 2011.[3]
Goldy was nominated to and made the 2004, 2007 and 2010 Capital One All-American Mascot Team. In 2007 he finished second to Zippy from the University of Akron.[4]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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National championship seasons in bold
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