About Zippy
The evolution of Zippy
Originally known as “Mr. Zip”, the first known reference to the mascot as “Zippy” was in a 1965 Zips football press brochure.
The Buchtelite's first use of the name “Zippy” came on Sept. 24, 1965, under a photo of a UA cheerleader.
70 Years of Zippy: The Mascot’s Origin
The evolution of Zippy, The University of Akron’s mascot, began more than 70 years ago when the student council, under President Dave Frye, decided the University needed a mascot.
The kangaroo was officially declared UA’s mascot on May 1, 1953. Dick Hansford, UA student council advisor, made the recommendation, and it was approved by the council.
Zippy’s Fun Facts
The name “Zippy” comes from our athletics nickname, the “Zippers” (now shortened to just “Zips”). The name “Zippers” was submitted in a contest by student, Margaret Hamlin, in 1927 to pay homage to a popular rubber overshoe with zippers manufactured by The B.F. Goodrich Company. The slogan, “Zip go the Zippers”, is still used today in the UA fight song.
Actually, Zippy’s costume originaly included furry feet! That all changed one particularly wet and muddy night at the Rubber Bowl. Zippy’s feet became so waterlogged that she couldn’t walk. Instead, she put on a pair of sneakers and wore them the rest of that game.
Since that night, Zippy has worn sneakers. In fact Zippy wears a size 15 shoe!
She sure did! In 2007, Zippy won the national Capital One Mascot of the Year Challenge. To win the mascot challenge, Zippy went furry head to furry head against various birds of prey, mammals, and nonhuman objects from other universities. Buoyed by thousands of votes from UA fans and others, Zippy went undefeated during the 13-week contest and proudly accepted the winner’s green jacket during halftime at the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2008 in Orlando, FL. Zippy also brought home $10,000 for a scholarship fund.
A stadium hot dog of course!
Pepsi, duh!
The UA fight song, “The Akron Blue and Gold.”
Zippy’s Kids Club
Coming soon!
Request Zippy
Zippy loves being out in the community celebrating with her friends! From wedding receptions and birthday parties to graduation parties, corporate luncheons and local events, she is happy to bring some “blue & gold” spirit to your special occasion. For details, pricing, and to submit a request for zippy.