UNC Asheville Athletics

Since UNC Asheville fi rst fi elded athletics teams in the
1930s (then known as Biltmore College), the bulldog has been
its mascot. Early students chose the bulldog for its fi erce and
tenacious reputation. In the decades that have followed, the
bulldog has become a beloved symbol of our University.
In 1948, “Puck,” arrived on campus and began a tradition of
live bulldog mascots that lasted into the 1980s. Puck, named
after the character in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s
Dream, was followed by Puck II and in the 1960s by Chuga-lug.
In the 1980s the campus welcomed Winston, named
after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, both for his
bulldogged resolve as well as his appearance. Winston appeared
for only a year and the tradition of a live mascot fell out of
use. In 2009 thanks to a group of student organizers, UNC
Asheville welcomed a new bulldog mascot to the University
community. “Rocky I” made his fi rst public appearance at
halftime of UNC Asheville’s homecoming basketball game
on Feb. 21, 2009. Alumni couple, Alexis Johnson (’97) and
Ed Johnson (’96), also a member of the math faculty, are his
keepers.
The name “Rocky” was suggested by staff member Nancy Williams during a naming contest sponsored by the Athletics Department in 1995.
Though the rumor has often been that the name came from Sylvester Stallone’s famous character, Rocky Balboa, which is based on the American prize
fi ghter Rocky Marciano, the name was chosen because it means steadfast, much like the mountains that surround campus. Ironically, the name “Rocky,”
which is of English origin, is a derivation of the name “Roch” (also Rocco and Roque) after St. Roch, the Patron Saint of Dogs.
In addition to the live bulldogs, the UNC Asheville mascot has also been depicted
by an army of costumed students. Since the 1960s, students dressed as the bulldog
have rallied the fans at thousands of games in support of Bulldog Athletics. The present
incarnation of Rocky was introduced during the 2006-2007 season and is the fi rst to
accurately refl ect the logo image of the bulldog used on signs and in print publications.
That image, introduced during the 2004-05 season is the fi fth offi cial incarnation of
the UNC Asheville bulldog logo.
In the late 1990s, the image of the bulldog, or “Rocky,” was immortalized in aluminum
through a gift by the Class of 1998. Sculpted by Matt West (‘00) and modeled after a
canine friend of the University, Pete “Bubba” McGill, the statue of Rocky stands in front
of the Justice Center as a sentinel over campus. Careful observers will note a chipped
tooth and a torn ear, signs of his ferocity. Despite his tough outward appearance, the
statue of Rocky is beloved by fans. Continuing a tradition begun by the Class of 1998,
each year, during convocation and commencement, freshman and seniors rub his head
for good luck before going to the ceremonies. Seniors are also often spotted getting
their picture made riding Rocky in the days leading up to graduation.
UNC Asheville is proud of its bulldog heritage. Today, Rocky, in all of his forms
serves as a rallying point for fans far and wide.
1990-2003
ROCKY
2004-Present