Penn State University’s Nittany Lion is more than just a mascot; it’s a symbol deeply intertwined with the institution’s history and spirit. Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2024, the “Symbol of Our Best” has a fascinating origin story that began not in a boardroom, but with a quick-witted response during a heated baseball rivalry game. This article delves into the captivating tale of how the Nittany Lion was conceived, its connection to Pennsylvania’s natural history, and how its image has transformed throughout the decades.
The Spark of an Idea: A Baseball Game Against Princeton
The year was 1904, and the Penn State baseball team was on the road, facing a formidable opponent: Princeton University. As the Penn State players entered Princeton’s gymnasium, a member of the opposing team, aiming to intimidate, pointed out their mascot, the Princeton Tiger, boasting it as “the fiercest beast of them all.” At this time, Penn State lacked an official mascot, relying only on the unofficial and somewhat outdated figure of “Old Coaly,” a mule that had served the university in its early days.
In a moment of spontaneous brilliance, Penn State third-baseman Harrison “Joe” Mason stepped up to the challenge. Thinking fast, he retorted, “Well, up at Penn State we have Mount Nittany right on our campus, where rules the Nittany Mountain Lion, who has never been beaten in a fair fight. So, Princeton Tiger, look out!” This impromptu declaration, born from competitive spirit, unknowingly planted the seed for what would become one of the most iconic college mascots in the United States.
From a Clever Remark to a Beloved Symbol
In the years following that pivotal baseball game, Joe Mason’s witty comeback resonated within the Penn State community. The image of the “Nittany Mountain Lion” began to take hold, especially as the university still lacked a powerful and representative mascot. Old Coaly, while a part of Penn State’s history, didn’t quite embody the athletic prowess and fierce spirit the university sought to project. The need for a more fitting symbol became increasingly apparent.
Adding to the mascot’s mystique was the presence of a tangible representation of a mountain lion right on campus. Housed in Old Main was a taxidermied mountain lion, a relic of Pennsylvania’s natural past. Legend suggested this very specimen might have been among the last of its kind in the region. This stuffed mountain lion served as a constant reminder of Mason’s words and the potential for a unique and locally relevant mascot.
The Pennsylvania Mountain Lion: Inspiration from Nature and History
The stuffed mountain lion in Old Main had its own compelling story. It was hunted down in 1856 in Susquehanna County by a man named Samuel Brush. Mountain lions, once prevalent predators throughout Pennsylvania, were facing rapid decline by the mid-1800s due to habitat loss and hunting. Brush’s mountain lion was preserved by a local taxidermist and spent a quarter of a century as a plaything for his children and neighborhood kids.
As the species neared extinction, with the last reported mountain lion in Centre County killed in the 1890s, the Brush family was persuaded to donate the preserved specimen to Penn State. The university, under its seventh president, George Atherton, was establishing a wildlife museum in Old Main. The mountain lion became a centerpiece of this collection, connecting the burgeoning mascot idea to a real creature with deep roots in Pennsylvania’s landscape. Today, this historical specimen remains on display at the Penn State All-Sports Museum, a testament to the Nittany Lion’s grounded origins in both anecdote and natural history.
The Enduring Legacy of the Nittany Lion
From a spur-of-the-moment response in a baseball game to an enduring symbol of Penn State pride, the story of the Nittany Lion is a unique and captivating one. It showcases how a blend of quick wit, local history, and a touch of natural heritage can converge to create a mascot that resonates deeply with students, alumni, and fans alike. The Nittany Lion is not just a fierce competitor; it embodies the spirit, resilience, and unique character of Penn State University, a legacy that continues to roar into its second century.
