SPIKE
Who is Spike...
Though the image of the Bulldog, and Spike, are now synonymous with Gonzaga athletics, that was not always been the case. In the rough and tumble formative years of Gonzaga’s football program, the teams were commonly known as the “Blue and Whites” or “The Fighting Irish.”
The “Bulldogs” nickname came about after a particularly grueling football game in 1921. A reporter writing about the game said that the players of Gonzaga “fought tenaciously like bulldogs.” The apt description stuck and the rest has become history.
Over the years, a number of live bulldogs have served as Gonzaga’s mascot. In 1980, a Gonzaga student became the first costumed human mascot, donning a cape, going by the moniker of “Captain Zag.” The tradition held until 1985 when the costumed character of Spike became the living embodiment of Gonzaga athletics.
Spike has become the face of GU and in 2000, rose to national prominence along with the Zags’ Cinderella run in the NCAA men’s basketball playoffs. Becoming a media darling, Spike has appeared in commercials for Nike and the NCAA and has garnered a legion of devoted fans across the country.
Making regular appearances at all men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer, and baseball games, Spike has become a cherished icon. The community of Spokane has embraced him as well, as Spike makes regular appearances throughout the year at both local and university sponsored functions. Spike is the spirit of Gonzaga.
