Oski (mascot)
| Oski | |
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Oski on Sproul Plaza
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| University | University of California, Berkeley |
| Conference | Pac-12 |
| Description | Anthropomorphic Bear |
| First seen | 1941 |
Oski or Oski the Bear (named after the Oski Yell) is the official mascot of the University of California, Berkeley. Oski’s name, design and character were developed by William “Rocky” Rockwell, who was the first student to play the role, and former Daily Cal editor Warrington Colescott. Oski made his debut during the September 27, 1941 football season-opener against St. Mary's College and has been the university’s official mascot ever since. Up until 1941, live bears were used as mascots. After 1946, the bear's activities have been overseen by the Oski Committee, which also appoints a new Oski whenever a replacement is required. Oski's identity is protected by the Committee and wearers of the suit generally do not disclose their having worn the suit. There may be multiple members of the Committee who wear the suit depending on their schedules.
Oski is mentioned by name in several California fight songs. In the songs, the name "Oski" is used interchangeably with the title "Golden Bear". Several of the songs give an impression of Oski being a powerful guardian-being dwelling in the heavens, as well as sallying forth from a lair on Earth. Oski is identified as the astronomical constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear). Although Oski has his benign side ("patient" and "silent"), he is more often presented as growling, fighting, rumbling, grumbling, thundering, and shaking the ground. He is described as sturdy and mighty. It is said of Oski that he "wears a Paderewski hair", referring to Oski's shaggy hair.
Oski is described as "Our totem", and Cal's teams (or perhaps Cal students in general) are described as sons of the Golden Bear. In one song, Oski is referred to as "He" with a capital "H", as one refers to the Deity. One song appears to attribute to Oski the ability to fly through the air.
These characteristics are seen in the following lyrics of Cal fight songs:
Our sturdy Golden Bear Is watching from the skies; Looks down upon our colors fair, And guards us from his lair.
Big "C" --
Golden Bear is ever watching; Day by day he prowls
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