Green and White filled the plaza at Marshall University as students and staff gathered to celebrate a familiar and beloved figure’s 61st birthday: Marco the Bison. Music, laughter and the occasional shout of “Let’s Go Herd!” echoed through the crowd as students waited to take pictures and wish the university’s mascot a happy birthday. For many in attendance, Marco is more than a costume at events; he represents the spirit, history and the unity of the Marshall community.
Marshall adopted the name Marco as a combination of Marshall College, what the university was originally called when it was a teachers’ university. The phrase “Thundering Herd” did not come to be until 1925 when sportswriter Duke Ridgley coined the phrase. Since then, Marco has become one of the most recognizable figures across campus.
Buffy Six, the communications coordinator for the Division of Student Affairs, said Marco embodies the spirit that makes Marshall unique.
“Marco really is the true emblem and embodiment of what it means to be a part of Marshall,” Six said. “He’s our friendly neighborhood campus bison. He shows us what it means to come together and connects us all.”
Six said choosing a favorite Marco memory is difficult because the mascot has been part of so many campus traditions. However, one moment that stands out in particular was when the university revealed a redesigned Marco costume and celebrated by bringing back a performer who portrayed the mascot decades earlier.
“I’ve had many years of Marco,” Six said, “but whenever Marco had his makeover and we revealed the new Marco, we also brought back an original Marco from the early ’90s.”
Students also see Marco as a symbol of what it means to be part of the Herd. Senior psychology major Erik Cochrane said the mascot plays a big role in creating a welcoming campus environment.
“I think Marco really encapsulates what it means to be part of the Herd,” Cochrane said. “You see him at all these events drawing people in, taking pictures and bringing the community together. That’s what Marshall is all about.”
Cochrane said some of his most memorable moments involve Marco’s seasonal appearances. One tradition that stands out is when the mascot dresses up for the holidays.
“Santa Marco is always fun,” he said. “The line wraps all the way around the student center for pictures, and that shows how beloved he is.”
For sophomore Piper Cook, Marco represents the sense of family that students feel on campus.
“Marco means family and community,” Cook said. “He really represents what the Herd family is.”
Cook said her favorite Marco moments happen during football games when the mascot interacts with students in the stands.
“My favorite Marco moment is when he comes up into the crowd at a football game,” Cook said. “Everyone gathers around to take pictures, and it really brings the energy.”
Senior Tre Hyer agreed Marco is one of the most recognizable symbols of Marshall.
“He’s the face that represents the Herd,” Hyer said. “He’s at every event – sporting events, student events or just walking around campus.”
As the celebration continued, students lined up for photos while Marco danced and posed with fans. Some students waved birthday signs while others simply stopped between classes and joined the celebration.
Jimmy John Jacob can be contacted at [email protected]
