Why bucky badger

After that comes another physical feat. Improvisation is key. Candidates are presented with a pile of props and must employ them in novel ways. How students handle themselves while wearing the suit during a one-minute comedic scene, with directions from a member of a panel of judges, helps determine whether they have what it takes.

Each candidate emerges from the costume hot, sweaty, and smiling. Last April, nine out of 14 students made it to the final night, when they performed a two-minute original skit, complete with homemade costumes. The final squad of seven Bucky Badgers includes three returning veterans — two had to try out again as is customary after their first year on the squad.

He suggested that Bucky be replaced by Henrietta Holstein, a loveable and productive cow. Koop argued that "kids love cows. A generation could grow up supporting the university and Henrietta Holstein. Bucky even survived a cameo appearance by Sports Illustrated writer Rick Telander. In preparation for a book about the athletic department, Telander wore Bucky's costume at a '91 volleyball game. Telander overcame "terminal claustrophobia" in his appearance as Bucky.

There are approximately seven students needed to meet all the various requests for Bucky Badger appearances. From sporting events to community service requests to the occasional wedding, Bucky is a popular and enduring fixture among Wisconsin fans. But I have to admit, I kind of like the thought of an opposing team cowering in fear on the sideline, too focused on a vicious wild animal to focus on the game. You would think that the NCAA would have an issue with that Howdy, my Aggies!!!

And you can probably guess that the live badger made a break for it on multiple occasions and had to be caught on the sideline. Could you imagine having to be the person to have to catch a live badger? Needs to have quick reactions, must not be a fan of giving a thumbs up or high fives, because they will almost surely lose a finger or hand. Eventually the UW decided that it was time to retire the live badger mascot, for safety reasons and sent him to the Madison Zoo. The Badger Yearbook then replaced the live badger with a small raccoon named Regdab and passed it off as a Thankfully a contest was held and Buckingham U.

Badger was officially named. Koop suggested that Henrietta Holstein replace Bucky. Despite the fact that Bucky has only had minor changes in appearance over the last 80 years, the faces behind the mask change on a rolling basis, with roughly seven people performing as Bucky at any given time.

The majority of the performers inside the Bucky costume are students at UW — chosen based upon their performance in tests of dancing, ability to work with props and the number of push-ups a candidate can do. Candidates also take part in an interview and are tested on their ability to write and perform skits. Each year, about seven candidates are chosen through this process. In the same interview, Krizek also described how intense the Bucky training regimen is, including Mascot Camp in August.