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The Spike mascot costume in 1963 taken from a L. A. Times Southland article (left), compared to the new Spike mascot costume 60 years later in 2022 and was taken by Madeline Marshall (right).
PHOTO STORY: The history of Spike the bulldog
December 2, 2022
For the first time since quarantine Spike the Bulldog made an appearance at the homecoming rally Sept. 23 and again Oct. 7 with Spikette by his side. This brings in the question of the origin of our school mascot, who is Spike and how did he come to be the bulldog we know today.
According to the History of Buena website, the first Principal, Arleigh McConnell was in favor of student self-government when Buena opened in 1961. This would not only shape the future of the school but of Spike as well. As the History of Buena website reports, “Prospective students voted on the school’s mascot and school colors, with the Bulldog and black, white, and turquoise winning the initial vote…”
Originally the mascot costume was only a headpiece, as seen in the photo archive of the history of Buena. According to senior Kenzie Herbert, her grandmother Susan Rice had a classmate, Kathy Bradford, whose mother sewed the first mascot suit head.
“Mrs. Bradford sewed it and [we] used [it] for many years,” Rice said in an online interview. “It looked different from the current one, a shorter and rounder head.”
Throughout the years, Spike has not changed substantially. After being Buena’s sole mascot for several years Spikette was introduced, both updated when needed. Spikette as a concept also originates from sports where mascots would have a female companion. Spikette initially appeared in other school related drawings with Spike in them.
Learn more about the history and evolution of Spike by looking through our photo story!
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“We thought it would be something fun, maybe we could do a reveal at the end of the year,” Herbert said. The new costume is custom built with a fan inside and it cost $5750 but with shipping was raised to $673.82 according to the ASB store coordinator Christina Carrillo. In addition, the identity of who was wearing the costume was kept secret.
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The Spike costume originating from 1986 was retired a few years ago because of its age which is why Spike’s introduction had him in a new costume. The Spikette costume is still in use, being only a few years older according to senior Kenzie Herbert, ASB member of the spirit and athletics committee.
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Going left to right from the top left: The Spike headpiece used from 1963 to 1983, the Spike mascot suit used from 1983 to 1986, the Spike mascot suit used from 1986 to 2022, and the new Spike suit in 2022.
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1st drawing of spike 1962
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“Cheering the Bulldogs on to victory tonight will be the Buena High School Pep Squad. From left to right they are top row: Heather Banks, Susan Bradford: center row, Kathy McKinney, Clare Stevens: Bottom row, Kathy Crist and ‘Spike.’” Found in Buena Vista Sept 22, 1961 issue. Shows a real bulldog personified as Spike. Historically, mascot costumes have mostly originated in sports, a live animal would attend an event as a lucky charm for the team. This eventually spread to college sports teams and then high school teams. As time went on the live animals were replaced with the cartoon-like mascot costumes we have today.
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“BUENA CHEERLEADERS-Striking this interesting pose are the five girls charged with leading the Buena High School cheering section this year, Clockwise from the lower left, are Susan Bradford, Clare Stevens, Jan McCormick, Kathy McKinney, and Heather Banks. All except Jan, who is Spike the Bulldog, were on Buena’s first cheerleading squad last year.” This shows the 1963 varsity cheer-leading team, which Spike was often included in because of the simple head piece.
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“VICTORY CLANG – Ringing Buena High School’s new victory bell is Spike, the Bulldog mascot, known as Jan McCormick.” The first Spike the Bulldog mascot head is featured here, which was used between 1962 and 1984.
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“Kathie Masterson, Cindy Sorensen, Syd Thibedeau, Betty Stone, Russ Kloer, Terry Wolever, Cindie Truesdell, Tisha Hatcher, Marcia Newlon.” Shows the Spike mascot headpiece.
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“BITING BUG – down the track Spike chased a Volkswagen Kitty.” Cars were often dressed up in school spirit for rival games.
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“6. VARSITY MASCOT – Susan Weiss.” The Spike headpiece was often paired with different themed outfits.
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“Spike meets a new friend, MASCOT – Kaylene Bartolin.” This Spike suit was used from 1983 to 1986.
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“Spike: Christina Sohay” The Spike suit used from 1986 to 2022.
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The Juniors section of the 1988 Yearbook showing a Ben Franklin inspired Spike and containing a quote from a Ben Anders.
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Showing the Freshmen, Sophmores, Juniors, and Senior sections. It shows the journey of Spike as a fantasy hero.
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Alisa Reisman is credited with being the mascot in the 1993 Yearbook. Included in this yearbook is the first image of an identical Spike costume which came to be known as Spikette. The two would usually attend Homecoming during the 90s. Whoever was wearing the Spikette costume was not credited.
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Christa Woods, Leanna Rodriguez featured as Spike and Spikette during Homecoming in 1998.
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Only Kelsey Gerckens is credited as mascot in the 2007 Yearbook. The photo shows both Spike and Spikette at the 2006 Homecoming. It is unclear if the Spikette suit went unused for a couple of years during the 2010s due to apparent damage.
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Mr. Downey • Dec 2, 2022 at 11:41 pm
Love this! Great job! : )