The Grizzlies continued to use live bears as mascots until the early 1960s. In addition to Teddy, there was a Cocoa, a Chester, and three different Fessy's (named after former football coach Doug Fessenden), among several others. In the 1970s and 1980s costumed mascots were introduced, but as mascots of local sponsors, not the university.
The Grizzlies utilized live bears as mascots until the early 1960s. Besides Teddy, there was a Cocoa, a Chester, and three distinct Fessy's (named after former football coach Doug Fessenden), alongside numerous others. In the 1970s and 1980s, costumed mascots were introduced, but not as university mascots.