As community members and Drake University students stood in front of Drake Stadium in the slowly creeping dawn, three men and a dog wearing black overcoats, Drake Blue scarves and top hats climbed on the small podium to mark the first annual Griff-Hog Day. Master of Ceremonies Steve Berry began the event by telling the story of the Griff-Hog.
“It is only fitting that today, Feb. 2, we gather here today to make public, for the first time, a secret ritual that has been happening every year since the founding of Drake Stadium 100 years ago,” Berry said in his speech.
Berry said that when Drake Stadium first opened its doors, its founders did not know it was built over the tunnel home of the magical Griff-Hog. Imbued with the spirit of Drake students training for track events, the Griff-Hog has since been able to forecast the weather for the Drake Relays. Griff III, Drake’s next live mascot, is the current Griff-Hog with this ability.
The Griff-Hog Inner Circle has been intimately involved in planning this event, and is the only group able to interpret Griff’s weather forecast — a secret process. Blake Bolden, the Franklin P. Johnson director of the Drake Relays, is a member of the Inner Circle along with Vice President and Dean of Students Jerry Parker, Berry and Griff II.
“Obviously, February is a time where we can all be hopeful for spring and look forward to sunshine in April. And this is just maybe something that gives us something fun and a little silly to look forward to each year,” Boldon said in an interview with The Times-Delphic.
Once Berry told the story, Griff III stepped out from the tunnels of Drake Stadium and into the spotlight.
First-years Rylee Wolf, Lauren Holling and Emily Brakeville came to Griff-Hog Day together. They said that they adore Griff, which brought them to the event.
“This being the first, like, Griff thing for his welcoming into Griff was really cool … it just feels exciting to be able to do this, especially as a first-year, the first time,” Brakeville said.
The three said they appreciated Griff II’s official outfit and looked forward to seeing Griff III’s prediction.
Thankfully for attendees, Griff III, wearing a plush groundhog hat that he violently shook off, did not see his shadow. He anticipated a calm and balmy Relays week with 72-degree temperatures.
“Let spring come early and Relays week stand triumphant,” Bolden interpreted for attendees.
While the official torch passing from Griff II to Griff III will not occur until the Changing of the Harness Ceremony on May 8, the event was part of Griff III’s transition to live mascot life. First-year Lily Holcomb is a Grifftern, meaning she helps maintain Griff II’s public image.
“[Griff-Hog Day] is a way to almost acclimate him to the job and introduce him to community and community members,” Holcomb said.
Live Mascot Director Erin Bell said Griff III met all her hopes during the event.
“We’ve been working with him a lot, just behind the scenes, and so it’s always fun to share him with the community and let people get to know him,” Bell said.
This year’s Relays week is April 19-25. Boldon said that with the Griff-Hog’s assurance of warm weather, people could be confident in their ticket purchases and travel.
“We know now that athletes from around the world will begin to book their travel and return to Drake Stadium,” Boldon said during the speech.
