The mascot, depicting the logo of the Drake Bulldogs team founded in 1956 at the local university, has an unconventional design. Fierce but not threatening, with a thoughtful gaze, it symbolizes the thoughtfulness of tactics, hidden strength, and confidence, a constant readiness for action.
Drake Bulldogs: Brand overview
Founded: | 1956 |
Headquarters: | Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. |
Website: | godrakebulldogs.com |
Drake University began developing its sports program in 1893. Initially, it sponsored only baseball and football, then moved on to other disciplines. Until 1908, the teams were called The Drakes. Everything changed after the new football coach, John L. Griffith, brought English bulldogs onto the field. Thus, the nickname Bulldogs stuck to the sports department.
Drake Bulldogs participate in NCAA Division I intercollegiate competitions. Most teams are part of the Missouri Valley Conference. The rest are distributed across the Summit League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and Pioneer Football League, depending on the sport.
Meaning and History
The department’s logos feature its main mascot – the bulldog. From 1956-2004, it was represented in an anthropomorphic image: walking on its hind legs and waving its front paws like hands. The letter “D,” depicted on the animal’s sweater, indicated the emblem’s affiliation with the Drake University teams.
In 2005, the dog stopped resembling a cartoon character. Artists drew a real bulldog, even highlighting the folds on the skin. To the right of the animal, the inscription “Drake Bulldogs” appeared. Both words differed in font: the first was stylized, with an original letter “D,” and the second was simple, with a standard font. After the emblem’s redesign in 2015, the overall style was preserved, but the dog began to look less realistic.
What is Drake Bulldogs?
Drake Bulldogs is a sports department consisting of 18 student teams located in Des Moines, Iowa. It is affiliated with Drake University and represents it in NCAA Division I as part of the Missouri Valley Conference. Athletes also participate in the Summit League, Atlantic Athletic Conference, and Pioneer Football League.
1974 – 2005
2005 – 2011
2011 – today
Drake Bulldogs Basketball
The basketball program at Drake University began in 1893. The men’s team became famous for making it to the Final Four in 1969. It also had many victorious seasons. The most successful period was from 1960 to 1986 when the “Bulldogs” regularly appeared in national rankings.
Drake Bulldogs Football
Since 1893, Drake University has participated in intercollegiate football competitions. The men’s team competes in the Pioneer Football League, which it joined in 1991. Currently, the head coach of the football players is Rick Fox, who took the position in 2013.
Drake Bulldogs: Interesting Facts
The Drake Bulldogs are from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and are good at many sports.
- Drake Relays: They host the Drake Relays, a big track and field event that started in 1910. It’s a huge deal and brings together athletes of all levels, from high school to professional.
- Basketball History: In the 1968-69 season, the men’s basketball team did amazing things and reached the Final Four in the NCAA tournament. It was a big moment for them.
- Women’s Basketball: The women’s team is also great. They’ve won many titles in their conference and have been to the NCAA tournament many times.
- Football Adventure: The football team isn’t in the top college football tier, but they did something cool in 1987 by playing the first American football game in Africa.
- Soccer Success: The men’s soccer team did well in 2009, making it to the Elite Eight of their tournament. It shows they’re getting better and better.
- How They Got Their Name: They were called the “Drake Dragoons” until a bulldog named Billy ran onto the field during a game in the 1920s. Everyone liked it so much that they changed their mascot to a bulldog.
- Other Sports: They’re not just about the big sports; they’re also good at tennis, rowing, and golf, showing they care about many different sports.
- Smart Athletes: Drake’s athletes are good at sports and smart. The school ensures they do well in their classes, not just in their sports.
These facts show how diverse and successful the Drake Bulldogs are in sports and school.
Font and Colors
Drake Bulldogs color codes
Dark Cerulean | Hex color: | #004477 |
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RGB: | 0 68 119 | |
CMYK: | 100 43 0 53 | |
Pantone: | PMS 541 C |
Spanish Gray | Hex color: | #999999 |
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RGB: | 153 153 153 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 40 | |
Pantone: | PMS Cool Gray 7 C |