🦅Mascot: "Hawkeyes"

Meet Herky the Hawk, the fierce and iconic mascot of the University of Iowa's Hawkeyes 🐦. This tough-sounding bird has a rich history that dates back to 1948 when a journalism instructor named Richard Spencer III drew a cartoon hawk for the university's athletic department. The name "Herky" came from a statewide contest, where it was shortened from "Hercules the Hawk," inspired by the strong man from Greek mythology. Herky first took the field in 1959, and since then, he's been known for his bold and sometimes prankster personality. Originally, only members of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity got to be Herky, but now anyone can try out to wear the costume. Herky is more than just a mascot; he's a symbol of pride and spirit for the University of Iowa. So, if you're ever at a Hawkeyes game, keep an eye out for Herky's energetic antics 🏆.