Today’s cardinal-and-white-clad Bucky — full name Buckingham U. Badger — has come a long way from the first Badgers mascot, a live badger who made occasional appearances at football games.

With a red-and-white striped sweater, Adidas tennis shoes, and that big smile, Bucky Badger is one of the most recognized college mascots in the country. Bucky makes appearances at every ...

MADISON — Pat Smet gets inside Bucky Badger’s head all the time ... hopefuls had to do push-ups — at least 20 — dance, act in a Bucky suit and improvise short skits.