Indiana Athletics released a teaser video on its social media platforms Thursday hinting at the return of the bison as the school’s official mascot.
Despite its storied athletics and rich traditions, Indiana University has historically lacked an official mascot to represent its programs.
In 1965, the Indiana student senate voted on the bison to serve as the school’s official mascot. But the bison’s stint was brief, as it was phased out just four years later in 1969. In 1979, IU adopted Mr. Hoosier Pride as its official mascot but was retired after just one season. IU has not had a physical mascot since.
However, with the revitalization of the Indiana football program following its first College Football Playoff appearance in school history, Hoosier fans and the student body rallied to call for the bison’s return as Indiana’s official mascot.
With the teaser, it appears the school may have listened to these requests.
The video includes a series of animal noises coming from a wooden crate with the words, “DO NOT TOUCH” and “DANGER” engraved on it.
A scene depicts three Indiana athletics employees, with two of them advising the third against touching the crate. “Remember to turn out the lights,” one employee said. “Remember to lock up. And whatever you do, don’t touch that.”
The teaser ended with the employee deciding to open up the box. As he does, a gloved hand reaches out before the video ends with a black screen and the words, “TO BE CONTINUED…”
If the bison is re-implemented into Hoosier tradition, it would immediately become an integral figure in Indiana athletics.
