The history behind Sparty, Michigan State University's mascot

Sparty sure has come a long way.

Michigan State's beloved mascot had humble beginnings. Very humble. An over-sized papier-mâché Spartan head, which was six-feet tall and weighed nearly 60 pounds, made its debut in 1955 at a pep rally thanks to the arts and crafts project from Theta Xi fraternity brothers Donald Pais, Kenneth Roberts and Don Bauer.

The first Spartan head was replaced with a fiberglass version in the 1956 Rose Bowl game. It was a more sturdy option, yet weighed 30 pounds less.

In 1989, Sparty got his final revamp.

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Alumni Association graphic designer Dave Giordan created a new image for the school, drawing a muscular Spartan logo, sporting full body armor. MSU Alumni Association Executive Director, Chuck Webb, commissioned the rendering after seeing a table tent in Wisconsin with the image of "Bucky the Badger."

This new version of Sparty wasn't just determined by a drawing. Major research and design elements went in to what you see today. The school wanted a mascot that exemplified its mission, traditions and community. Also, its strength and character. 

The school's website says what they came up with was an “approachable, fierce yet kind, man for all seasons” mascot.

MSU introduced its newest mascot to the masses in a unique way -- advertising. Six billboards around East Lansing announced the debut of the new and improved Sparty on Sept. 16, 1989 at Spartan Stadium.

Since, Sparty has earned numerous accolades, including being named national champion mascot three times by the Universal Cheer Association. He has also been named "Buffest Mascot" by Muscle and Fitness Magazine, and has appeared in the NCAA Hall of Champions: Mascot Mania and the Capital One Mascot Challenge.

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Want to tryout for Sparty?

The first informational meeting will take place Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. on the third floor of the Spartan Stadium tower. Future Sparty's will need to fill out an application by Oct. 7, which includes: A 500-word essay on why you want to become Sparty, a copy of 2018 fall semester class schedule, a report of most recent semester's grades, a copy of health record of physical exam report and proof of health insurance.

Once this is complete, the Sparty Mascot Program director will contact those who have been selected.If you are one of the lucky ones, you will participate in a ride along Oct. 9-19, a fitness interview Oct. 22-Nov. 2, a group interview in November (TBA), a suit try-on Nov. 5-9 and official tryouts Nov. 11.

For more information, contact Clint Stevens at cstevens@uadv.msu.edu