The History of College Nicknames, Mascots and School Colors

About the Book

This book explains the history behind how colleges derived their nicknames, mascots, and school colors. Gary Hudson chose to focus the attention of his book on schools that have Division 1A Football programs, because all the athletic programs at those schools will also compete in Division 1A sports. Consequently, those schools tend to get more exposure in the media, thereby drawing more attention and curiosity to the college sports fan.

About the Author

Gary L. Hudson is an Airport Manager that has been working in the field of Aviation for the past 27 years. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL) with a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Studies, with a concentration in Airport Management. Mr. Hudson is also a licensed pilot. He was born and spent his childhood and early adult life in a small suburban town located 27 miles outside of New York City. In 1976, Mr. Hudson started following college athletics, specifically football, when his older Brother began his freshmen year at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). This was the same year that Pitt won the college football national championship (1976-77 season) with their star running back and Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett. From that time moving forward, Mr. Hudson became very interested in wanting to know how colleges derived at their respected nicknames, mascots and school colors. So he was determined to write a book pertaining to that topic. Consequently, it wasn’t until 1995, that Mr. Hudson finally decided to start pursuing his quest in finding out those answers. After many years of conducting, then postponing his research, due to other responsibilities, Mr. Hudson finally completed his book in 2019.