SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY “HAWKS”
Voted Sports Illustrated's Mascot of the Century, The Hawk is the most famous mascot in all of college basketball. By flapping for the entire duration of any SJU contest, this display of endurance is proof that "The Hawk Will Never Die!".
The nickname "Hawks" came into being in 1931 because of the Saint Joseph's College football team's aerial attack. The nickname has far outlived the sport. Football began at Saint Joseph's in 1922 but was disbanded in 1939.
As a mascot, The Hawk first took flight in 1956 during a men's basketball victory over city-rival La Salle. It is famous for how it flaps for the entire duration of a game and flies in figure 8's around the court during timeouts. The Hawk has even been known to make one handed free throw shots while still flapping. It is the only mascot in college basketball that travels to all road games.
There is an arduous application process to become the Hawk, including interviews with coaches and the athletic director as well as tests of stamina and will power. The mascot receives a full scholarship and is considered a full member of the team. Sports Illustrated recognized the passion of Hawk fans in its list of the "Top 100 Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate". Ranked 12th was "go to a Saint Joseph's basketball game and shout 'The Hawk will never die... the most defiant cheer in college sports'." |
