Little known fact: the first Bucky Badger head was made of paper mâché in 1949. The homecoming chair that year was a man named Bill Sachse (pictured with the W sweater on). It was his idea to have a cheerleader (Bill Sagal) wear the head during the homecoming game that season. Turned out to be a pretty good tradition.

Unfortunately, Bill Sachse passed away on Sunday at the age of 85. Please join us in sending our condolences to Bill’s family and thanking him for his creative vision.

(via UW Badgers Facebook)

Ye olde Big Ten.