Cincinnati Bearcats Nickname and Mascot

Nickname and Football History

 Cincinnati's Nickname: Thebearcat3 Bearcats
This costumed mascot's name mirrors the University's Bearcats nickname given to its athletic teams.  The nickname first took hold in 1914 as a salute to a fiery player on the school's football team.  Fullback Leonard K. "Teddy" Baehr impressed UC fans so much during a game against Kentucky, that a cheerleader created a chant that "They may be Wildcats, but we have a Baehr-cat on our side."  

The crowd follwed with "Come on, Baehr-Cat!"  Cincinnati's 14-7 win over UK was featured on the front page of the student newspaper with a cartoon of a desperate UK Wildcat being chased by a creature labeled as a "Cincinnati Bear Cat."

Nippert Stadiumbearcat2
The Bearcats football Stadium is the 4th oldest playing site and 5th oldest stadium in college football.  It was originally called Varsity Field when it opened in 1901.  As funds allowed, a brick and concrete structure was built.  

The stadium was named after James Gamble Nippert who was a player on the 1923 football team. Nippert died of blood poisoning after sustaining a spike wound injury in the final game of the season.  The stadium has a capacity of 35,097 and once housed the Cincinnati Bengals in the late 1960s.

University of Cincinnati Facts and History
  • Cincinnati Mascot: The Bearcat became the university's mascot in 1914.
  • School's Fight Song: Bearcat fans know it by heart and it's called "Cheer Cincy."
  • Cincinnati's oldest football rivalry: The school first played Miami University in 1888 and the two schools still square off annually for the "Victory Bell."  The school's contest against Louisville first began in 1929 and Cincy battles the Cardinals for the "Keg of Nails" Trophy.
  • Cincy's home football stadium - Bearcat football is played at Nippert Stadium
  • School's first bowl game: An appearance in the 1947 Sun Bowl marked the university's first bowl game.  Cincinnati defeated Virginia Tech 18-6.

Naismith and John Wooden Award Winner Kenyon Martin was recognized as College Basketball's best player in 2000

Naismith and John
Wooden Award Winner
Kenyon Martin was recognized
as College Basketball's best
player in 2000

The "Big O" Oscar Robertson While at Cincinnati, (1957-60) Robertson led the NCAA in scoring three seasons while also helping the Bearcats to capture the 1960 national championship. While playing for Cincinnati and Milwaukee in the NBA, Robertson was a 12-time NBA All-Star

The "Big O"
Oscar Robertson
While at Cincinnati, (1957-60)
Robertson led the NCAA in
scoring three seasons while
also helping the Bearcats to
capture the 1960 national
championship. While playing
for Cincinnati and Milwaukee in
the NBA, Robertson was a
12-time NBA All-Star

Bearcats NCAA Basketball Tournament History

 Men's NCAA Tournament National Championships: 2
Under the direction of head coach Ed Jucker, UC won back to back NCAA championships
 1961, 1962

 NCAA Final Four Apperances
The Bearcats have made it to the Final 4 six times including an incredible 5 times in a row.
 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1992
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