Jonathan the Husky is national championship bound! UConn continued their dominant run in the NCAA tournament, cruising to a 72-59 win over Miami on Saturday night. They now advance to face San Diego State in the national championship game on Monday. This victory was not unexpected for those following the 4-seed Huskies, who have been consistently impressive throughout the tournament (via ESPN).
Who Is Jonathan the Husky?
Jonathan the Husky is UConn’s mascot, named after Jonathan Trumbull, the first Governor of the state. Chosen by a student poll in 1935, the mascot and the name Jonathan were chosen because – according to legend – George Washington referred to Trumbull, as “Brother Jonathan.” Since then, all UConn Huskies are named Jonathan in honor of the first state Governor of Connecticut. There are two versions: costumed and canine. Most huskies were white with one brown and one blue eye until 2013, when the logo changed to black and white. Jonathan XIV, a black and white male, made his debut in 2014. Since the 1970’s, the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega has provided for his care (via UConn).
Meet Jonathan XIV
According UConn Huskies, Jonathan XIV, UConn’s current living mascot, was born on October 5, 2013, in Husky Harbor in El Dorado, Arkansas. A student committee charged with finding the perfect pup for the role, conducted a careful search and chose Jonathan XIV. He arrived on campus in January 2014, as a nearly nine-week-old puppy, and started his official mascot duties in August. Fortunately, he lived with his big brother, Jonathan XIII, and learned from him and his experienced trainers.
Jonathan XIV was one of seven puppies born on October 5, 2013. His outgoing personality immediately made him stand out, and the fact that his markings resemble UConn’s new husky logo helped make him a unanimous choice for the part.
Before Jonathan XIV, there were thirteen previous Huskies that held the title of official mascot. The first real Husky mascot was a brown and white dog. Eventually, all Huskies that followed were solid white with one brown and one blue eye until 2013, when UCONN officially changed their logo to a black and white Husky. This change happened after the arrival of the latest mascot, Jonathan XIV, the black and white male pup. Jonathan is a beloved member of the UConn community.
Jonathan the Husky Almost Didn’t Make It To The Final Four
UConn were almost without their beloved mascot for their Final Four matchup against Miami in Houston. Airlines are not having the greatest month.
When they tell you that you won’t fit on the plane. #seekingflighttotexas #bigboyproblems #FinalFour #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/KezaL3w49s
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 27, 2023
Luckily, they were able to sort the issues out and Jonathan the Husky took flight!
Hey #huskynation I’m flying to Houston tonight!!! Thank you to @uconnhuskies , @NCAA and @Delta for all your support. Special shout-out to Jennifer & Sarah of Delta Airlines for their kindness Let’s do this! #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/6iBlnl67uT
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 30, 2023
Related: Siberian Husky Dog Breed Information
