Well, let me tell you about this bird, Herky the Hawk. He’s a big deal around here, that’s for sure. He’s what they call a mascot, you know? Like a lucky charm, kinda. Been around for a long, long time, more than sixty years I reckon.
They call him a Hawkeye, too. Sounds fierce, don’t it? This whole Hawkeye thing, it started way back. Like, way, way back. 1948, I think they said. Some fella drew a picture of a bird. A cartoon, they call it. And that was the start of it all.
This bird, Herky, he’s supposed to be like that strong fella from them old stories. What was his name? Hercules! Yeah, that’s it. Herky is short for Hercules, you see? Makes sense, I guess. Gotta be strong to be a mascot, right?
First time I saw Herky, it was at one of them football games. Back in, oh, ’59, I believe. He was all dressed up, with a black head and gold feathers. Looked kinda funny, but the folks sure did love him.
Now, this whole Hawkeye name, it ain’t just for the bird. They used it in some book a long time ago. The Last of the Mohicans, I think it was called. About some hero fella. So, it’s a name with some history, you see. Not just some made-up thing.
- Herky the Hawk, he’s the mascot.
- Hawkeye, that’s another name for him.
- 1948, that’s when the cartoon was made.
- Hercules, that’s who Herky is named after.
- The Last of the Mohicans, that’s the book with the Hawkeye name.
You see Herky everywhere now. All over the University of Iowa. He’s on shirts, hats, you name it. He’s a real popular bird, that Herky. Everybody knows him.
They got him at all the games. Football, basketball, you name it. He gets the folks all riled up. Cheering and hollering. It’s a real sight to see. He’s a good mascot, that Herky. Does his job well.
I remember one time, they had a contest to name him. A whole state-wide thing. Lots of folks sent in names. But they picked Herky. And it stuck. Like glue. Can’t imagine him being called anything else now. He is the best mascot, University of Iowa Herky the Hawk is a good name.
He’s more than just a mascot, though. He’s like a symbol, you know? Of the whole place. The University of Iowa. He represents them all. The students, the teachers, everybody. He’s a part of them, and they’re a part of him.
He’s been around for so long, he’s seen a lot. Seen a lot of games, a lot of wins, a lot of losses. But he’s always there. Cheering them on. Being a good mascot. And Hawkeye is a good nickname.
So, yeah, that’s Herky the Hawk. A good bird. A strong bird. A lucky bird. He’s been here a long time, and I reckon he’ll be here a lot longer. He’s a part of this place, now. Forever and always, I guess. He is a good Herky the Hawk.
Kids love him. They are so happy when they see him. It is very cute. And old folks like me, we love him, too. Reminds us of the old days. When things were simpler. When a cartoon bird could make everyone smile. You will know Herky the Hawk is very famous.
So next time you see that bird, that Herky the Hawk, you remember what I told you. Remember he’s more than just a bird. He’s a symbol. A legend. A Hawkeye. He is the symbol of University of Iowa.
And that ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at. Nope. Not at all. He is a good mascot, and I like him very much. He is the best one. I hope he can be here for a long long time, and everyone can know him.
