The Origin of the Bronco Mascot

Last week I gave my customary History of SCU presentation to this year’s crop of Orientation Leaders. One had an excellent question for me: how did we get the bronco as our mascot?

According to Henry L. Walsh, writing of the time period October — November, 1923:

Students of later days will be interested in the origin of the name ‘Bronco’ which the student body at this time adopted for its athletic symbol. It was first suggested by Father Hubert Flynn, S.J., a popular teacher at the Mission school. ‘The bronco,’ said Father Flynn, ‘is a native western piece of dynamite, not too large, it is true, but hard as nails, and always game to the core. The original bronco used to do his stuff regularly in the arena around the old Mission, and it is but fitting that his name and fame be perpetuated on those same fields of conquest, where lusty warriors of California heritage kick and buck their way to many a glorious triumph.’
Annals of Santa Clara, 1857-1957 Part II, pages 133-134.

Around the same time, the Redwood, which was a literary annual at that point, states:

Nov. 5, 1923: Name of ‘Broncos’ adopted as title for the S.C. Varsity. Perhaps it was inspired by Hal Bundy’s hat.
The Redwood, v. 23, 1924, page 16

The Nov. 7, 1923 issue of The Santa Clara expounded on both these tidbits by running a column on the topic on the last page of an issue otherwise devoted to the biggest rivalry game of the year, “The Little Big Game” vs St. Mary’s. The article is below, or you can follow the hyperlink above to visit the entire issue.

"THE BRONCOS" Why? Well, let's see: 1. The Bronco is a native Western piece of living dynamke; not any too large, it is true, but hard as nails and always game to the core. He can Kick with te very best of 'em, and O boy! how the little devil can BUCK! When he takes a notion to cut loose in the open field, his SPEED outstrips the wind. Finally, nobody but a darn good mam has ever been known to ride him, and at that never without getting his bumps aplenty. 2. The original Broncho used to do his stuff regularly at Santa Clara Mission in the romantic days of long ago, when the famed Rodeo held the interest now centered in the Annual Big" Game. So then, let the Broncho's fighting spirit find a new embodiment in the Varsity TeAms of today and tomorrow, that they may learn to kick and buck their way to many a triumph and to the surprised regret of any poor tenderfoot who may lightly attempt to "ride 'em." (By one of the "Old Boys.") How., about it, students? Let's adopt it

Most recently, the Spring 2012 issue of the Santa Clara Magazine included an article entitled “Bucky Bronco Confidential,” all about the origins of Bucky. Head on over to their site to the read the article in full.

Whatever the explanation, there is no doubt a hearty “Go Broncos!” is an addictive rallying cry!

Header image: 1933 Bronco Logo on Football from the Archives & Special Collections Digital Collections.