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A mascot of ‘sedimental’ value

To help raise funds for incoming students and raise excitement around homecoming events, university officials started the “Rally for Rocky” campaign. If $22,000 is raised by Oct. 15, the gray rock may see a comeback at homecoming 2022. Submitted photos
Rocky the Rock could make a comeback

It’s a rock.

The beloved, former mascot of Slippery Rock University, that is.

Rocky the Rock, the hand-made hero of SRU, is also referred to as Rocky I, was retired 22 years ago. To raise funds for incoming students and raise excitement around homecoming events, university officials started the “Rally for Rocky” campaign.

Samantha Swift, interim vice president of university advancement, said the goal of raising $22,000 by Oct. 15. The goal was sparked by popular demand.

“President Behre and I are often met with ‘When are you going to bring back the old mascot?’” she said.

The university’s homecoming theme is “Feelin’ 22,” which is why the donation goal was chosen, Swift said. Money raised to “release Rocky the Rock” will benefit the SRU Scholarship Fund.

“That money is one way to help relieve burdens for our incoming freshmen,” she said. “People are excited, you just look for something fun and lighthearted, especially with the way the world is, it’s something people can get behind and rally around, and it’s for a good cause.”

Homecoming is planned Oct. 14 to 16 and includes a matchup between the Rock and Gannon University’s Golden Knights at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 1 p.m. Oct. 15.

Rolling stone

Swift said Rocky I made his first appearance back in 1978, when the campus was referred to as Slippery Rock State College. The mascot-less school had an ambitious freshman, Bob Jones, who created Rocky with his mother.

“(His mother) made the costume, and (Jones) was anonymous the whole time he was Rocky. He donated the original costume to the university. It’s been in the archives in a case.”

Jones played the role until 1982, revealing his identity during a football game. But SRU ran with Rocky I until 2000. He was replaced by Rocky II, or, Rocky the Pride, the lion mascot of the institution, following input from faculty and students.

According to Swift, a Rocky costume by SRU’s theater costume department is in the works.

Making a comeback

If the school reaches its campaign goal, Swift said Rocky will hang out at the Alumni Association tent during Saturday’s homecoming festivities. As to who will wear the suit, that remains a secret.

“Once Rocky gets out, I can’t imagine he’ll want to go back in. He’ll want to take pictures and walk around,” she said.

As of Tuesday night, $6,373 dollars have been donated to Rally for Rocky. Swift said people can expect social media campaigns to bolster the fundraising efforts.

“I see old Rocky making a comeback,” she said.

To donate to Rally for Rocky, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/SlipperyRockUniversityofPennsylvania/rally-for-rocky.

Slippery Rock University Students and fans might have more to cheer about with the possible reintroduction of Rocky 1 during homecoming activities planned . will cheer on the eighth-ranked Slippery Rock University football team Saturday when it takes on fourth-ranked Minnesota State University in the Division II semifinal round at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Two local super fans have followed The Rock team for decades, Page B1. Sports coverage is on Page C4.
The Slippery Rock University student section cheers at the start of the season-opening football game against Wayne State University at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium on Saturday in Slippery Rock Township. Slippery Rock won, 42-10. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 9/3/22
Mihalik-Thompson Stadium at Slippery Rock University.

Homecoming Schedule


Homecoming parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the intersection of Main Street and Route 108 and following the street to the intersection of Keister Road.

Football game against Gannon University: 1 p.m Oct. 15 at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, 100 North Road, Slippery Rock. Homecoming royalty will be announced at halftime, and the homecoming court will be introduced at a pep rally at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 on the quad.

To see a complete list of events, or register for any Homecoming gatherings by the Slippery Rock University Alumni Association, visit https://www.rockalumnievents.com/homecoming.html.

Rocky the Rock, or Rocky I, is the first mascot in Slippery Rock University's history. He may make a comeback this Homecoming. Submitted Photo. 9/21/2022
Rocky the Slippery Rock University mascot from yesteryear is making a comeback. Submitted photo.
Rocky the Slippery Rock University mascot from yesteryear is making a comeback. Submitted photo.

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