Traditions

MASCOT: "Tuffy" the Eagle, previously known as "Victor" the Eagle, has long been a fixture at Ashland home athletic events. Tuffy is a student dressed in a purple and gold Eagle mascot. Since the discontinuation of the Sigma Nu Fraternity on campus, the Athletic Department has assumed responsibility for the mascot. In 2002, the University's Alumni Association funded the purchase of a new Eagle costume.

FOOTBALL ALUMNI DAY: The inaugural Football Alumni Day was held on October 20, 2001. The Eagles responded with a 26-14 victory over Northern Michigan. Each year, more than 1,000 former Eagle players and coaches are invited back to take part in this festive event which is among the best attended university alumni programs.

THE VICTORY BELL: Prior to the start of the 1996 Eagle football season, a large cast-iron bell was donated to the University anonymously. After some discussion, the bell was mounted on a pole and placed near the north end zone at Community Stadium. Following an incident with players from Westminster College during the 1998 season, the bell was moved to the south end zone area where it remains today. Following each Eagle home victory, it is tradition that senior players take turns ringing the bell while the team sings the fight song.

THE TRAVELING TROPHY GAME: The battle of Ohio and Michigan in Division I play has long been the Ohio State/Michigan game. At the NCAA II level, it's the Ashland Eagles and the Hillsdale Chargers who battle annually for the Traveling Trophy. Established in 1970, the Traveling Trophy game is one of only a few NCAA-recognized trophy games. The winner of the game gets to keep the trophy at their institution until the following year.

THE HONORARY CAPTAINS PROGRAM: Established in 1997, the Honorary Captains Program was an idea borrowed from Ohio State. It is designed to connect current Eagle players with players from the past. Typically, two Eagle football alumni are invited back to campus for each home game to serve as Honorary Captains. They participate in all aspects of the pre-game program and have the opportunity to address the team on game day. They receive sideline passes, coaching shirts/hats and the opportunity to impact the lives of today's Eagles. A list of Honorary Captains and game results can be found in the lobby of the Physical Education Center on a special plaque donated by Ralph '77 and Betty Jo '78 Tomassi.

THE FIGHT SONG: Originally composed by Ashland football alumnus Ralph (Hank) Thauvette '30, the popular fight song was revised by Ashland Marching Band Director Len Salvo in 1989. It is played with pride by the Eagle Marching Band before, during and after every Eagle football game.
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THE PURPLE AND GOLD SPRING GAME: The inaugural Purple and Gold spring game was held on April 16, 2004, at Community Stadium. Nearly 1,000 fans were in attendance. The spring game marks the conclusion of the spring football practice while providing Eagle fans with a live preview of the upcoming season.