For a century, the Gator has been Allegheny College’s beloved icon. Although there are no alligators native to Western Pennsylvania, that hasn’t deterred the staying power of the iconic character.
So, why the Gators?
In 1925, the Allegheny Alligator, a satirical magazine, first presented the idea to the community. The name was decided for one reason — alliteration, and it stuck.
The issue notes, “The name, Alligator, was selected not because the alligator is noted for its sense of humor, nor because the haunts of the above-mentioned critter are located in this vicinity, but purely and simply because of the 99.44% alliterative value of its orthography.”
Before, Alleghenians were referred to as Hilltoppers, Methodists, Timothians, and the Blue and Gold. Considerations for the mascot included the hellbenders, in honor of the native salamander, or something in reverence to the native land or people.
However, the idea of the gator continued to take off.
That same year, in 1925, the formation of the Go-Get-’Em Gator Club appeared with the intent of cheering at football games. By the end of the 1920s, athletic teams were colloquially referred to as the Gators.
In the 1960s, Peter Neumeister ’67, a psychology student, took it upon himself to create a handmade costume, dubbed Mr. Gator. At the time, an official mascot hadn’t been introduced. The tail was stuffed with cotton balls, the sneakers were painted blue with yellow scales, and a pair of yellow garden gloves served as claws.
I have many fond memories from being Mr. Gator, but being able to pretend to play a bass guitar beside Chuck Berry at his concert in the fieldhouse tops them all,” says Neumeister. “From the very first football game, Mr. Gator’s reception was warm, and student attendance steadily increased. Meadville residents started bringing their kids to see Mr Gator, and I loved playing with them. I really believe it helped create a more positive morale at our athletic events. I’m glad that the mascot tradition continued over the years.
In the 1970s, a group of students started a publication to assess faculty and courses. On one of its covers donned an illustrated gator, which eventually evolved and was embraced by the College as a logo. The drawing depicted a standing gator wearing a varsity letter sweater that was both tough and friendly.
The Golden Gator Club was formed in the 1980s to embrace school spirit, which still serves as a link between alumni and the Department of Athletics. They, too, created a version of the mascot with a papier-mâché head and a hand-sewn body.
The first college-owned costume, “Stevie the Allegheny Alligator,” was purchased in 1987, marking the start of the official mascot. Students continued to make handmade costumes between 1994 and 2003.
In the 2000s, the enthusiasm of the Go-Get-’Em Gator Club was resurrected as a portion of the bleachers were designated “The Swamp,” and student identity cards were deemed “Insta-Gator” cards.
Another official mascot costume was purchased in 2004 and was renamed “Chompers.” It was revealed at a football game that same year, and a more contemporary gator logo was also created.
A decade later, in 2014, the campus community became involved in choosing the new Chompers’ color. Students, faculty, and staff voted through social media using the hashtags #ChompTheVote and individual colors, including #TeamBlue, #TeamDarkGreen, #TeamBrightGreen, #TeamGold. Ultimately, dark green won.
The costume was unveiled on February 14, 2015 during the bicentennial year celebrations at a basketball game in the David V. Wise Center.
As part of rebranding the athletics identity in 2021, an updated gator logo and a special image known as “Gator Eyes” were presented to the campus.
Although the gator has changed throughout the decades, it remains essential to the identity of Alleghenians and is a cherished symbol to all who call Allegheny College home.
