The Nittany Lion mascot debuted at the Polo Grounds against Syracuse in 1922. It was the first meeting between the two schools. Penn State was riding a 29 game unbeaten streak that dated back to the 1918 season. The game was played in wet muddy conditions and ended in a 0-0 tie. Penn State had their unbeaten streak ended the following week and they lost four out of their last five games.

Hugo Bezdek, the head coach at the time, was convinced the Nittany Lion mascot was a bad luck jinx and banned it from appearing at the games the follow season. It was several years until the mascot came back again. I think the picture above was the original mascot. It was a costume from a play that was running on campus at the time.

Didn’t you date one of those chicks back in the day? Or am I thinking about jesse?

Do you seriously think that the lion (costume) is “badass” – really? Listen – I love that cat – but the current embodiment is just plain old bad.

And, while the lions in “A Lion’s Tale” could probably whoop Scooby – but I’m afraid that our Lion would be too busy practicing his “robot” moves – and that thing from “hello Nittany Lion” would just smile and wave.

BTW, the child in question is a “believer” – there’s no need for “schooling” – she’s been able to spot a chipmunk logo decal with ridiculous accuracy since, well, since she could speak.