Names, Colors and Logos
Kennesaw State University began intercollegiate athletics in the 1982-83 season with women's basketball. The Owl mascot is a symbol of tenacity and intelligence. This combination is one which the university proudly identifies with. In respect to the state's two longest established collegiate institutions, Georgia and Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State respectfully combined a gold like Georgia Tech with the black of Georgia for the Owls black and gold colors.
In 1996 Mr. Bill Malone and then athletic director Dr. Dave Waples designed "Scrappy" the mascot, battle-ready bird wearing sneakers and an Owls jersey whose "thumbs up" pose signifies the success of Kennesaw State athletics.
As a long-standing tradition, each year one Kennesaw State student earns the honor of being named Scrappy and gets to don the mascot uniform for select home games.
Finally, there is the logo of an owl in flight called "Fighting Owl" that was used by the school as the primary logo before Scrappy was born.
Mascot
Whenever you are on campus and at an athletic event you will be sure to see Kennesaw State's energetic and fan friendly mascot, Scrappy.
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6'0"
Hometown: Owlberta
Resides: Kennesaw State National Battlefield
Favorite Cartoon: Fat Owlbert
Favorite Group/Band: Winger and Night Ranger, Owl B. Sure
Fight Song
Click here to learn more about KSU's fight song.
School Song
Kennesaw State is quite proud of it's school song as it's lyrics were written by a former student, Cynthia Parks, in 1982. The song, predominately featured at all Kennesaw State graduation ceremonies, has been one of the longest and richest traditions at KSU.
The Owls maintain a strong bond with the school song, an 18th century German melody named Gaudeamus Igitur. The song, which translated from its original Latin means "let us rejoice therefore" is posted in the athletic department.
"Gaudeamus Igitur" (Let Us rejoice Therefore)
Anonymous, 18th Century German Melody
Lyrics by Cynthia Parks, KSU (1982)
Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw,
Nestled in the Georgia pines,
What a special place you hold,
Treasured in this heart of mine.
For the candles you set burning,
Lighting paths of love and learning,
For the gifts you have given me,
Kennesaw, I will cherish thee.
Kennesaw, dear Kennesaw,
Fairest of the Southland's fame,
Sons and daughters gathered here,
Stand to praise thy lovely name.
For the friendships that were made here,
For the dreams we dared to dream here,
Kennesaw, we will cherish thee,
Kennesaw, we will cherish thee.
