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The original was posted on /r/cfb by /u/ElHijoDelClaireLynch on 2026-01-25 22:04:27+00:00.
In honor of the winter storm (and way too much time on my hands) I bring to you the history of the only, yes the only, officially married mascot in the entire FCS, the Youngstown State Penguin.
The history of the Penguin moniker dates back to 1933. Where Youngstown’s basketball team went on the road to play West Liberty Teachers College in West Virginia. The weather that night was a reported “6 above zero with an inch of snow an hour.”
The bus the team traveled on was, very unfortunately, without heat. Which would only set the tone for the night. Upon arrival in West Virginia, Youngstown State was none too pleased to know the gym and locker rooms themselves were unheated. Starting up the team only 5 years beforehand, and given the era, Youngstown was a bit short on gear too. Failing to be able to provide warm ups. So they had to get creative.
West Liberty’s coach had noticed that Youngstown State looked “frozen stiff” and had started to “stamp their feet and swing their arms” to try and stay warm. Something they found akin to a penguin’s waddle. Word got back quick to Youngstown, and fans and students would unofficially adopt this new nickname. Previously, and officially, being known only as the Youngstown “Locals” or just plain nameless altogether. The school would officially adopt the Penguin mascot in 1938 to coincide with the launch of Youngstown’s football team.
A team that, with the help of Coach Dike Beede, would go on to create the very first penalty flags. Youngstown would also become the winners of 4 national championships under Jim Tressel in the 90’s.
Since the 1930’s, the fans and the people of Youngstown have embraced the Penguin. Adopting 3 live mascots over the years named Pete and introducing a costumed version in the 60’s. Pete remains a fan favorite to this day, representing for Youngstown and flightless birds all across the nation.