After more than a decade of spirited service, SUNY Brockport’s beloved mascot, Ellsworth Eagle, debuted a well-deserved update at this year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend.
The previous suit was showing significant wear and tear, had poor ventilation, and other challenges. Its original manufacturer was no longer in business, which left the University without access to the old design. So a team of staff members from University Communications, Athletics, and Student Union Leadership and Activities set out to find a vendor who would create a new suit from scratch.
The updated Ellsworth sports a bold new look that still honors the spirit and character of the original mascot, while incorporating modern enhancements such as improved sightlines, better wearability, and a built-in cooling vest with ventilation features.
Ellsworth’s new look is just the latest chapter in his story. Explore Ellsworth’s journey throughout the years as he evolved from a simple sketch in a notebook to becoming our Mascot King.
The Eras of Ellsworth
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An Eagle is Born
Ellsworth was “born” on September 4, 1956 when creators Dave Cohen ’56, Bob Bloxsom ’58, and Frank Marino drew the original sketch of our fearless mascot.
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Young Ellsworth
Ellsworth’s first stint as a hatchling mascot entailed only a paper mâché head. He would not grow into a fully-suited adult bird until much later. He’s pictured here during the late 1950s alongside the cheerleading team.
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The Tumultuous 80s
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that Ellsworth truly broke out of his shell—debuting a more traditional mascot look. Like all baby birds, he faced a few growing pains while trying to find his feathers. Throughout the decade, Ellsworth featured three unique designs, each one highlighting a different side of our favorite feathered friend.
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The Nostalgic 90s
Technically this iteration of Ellsworth was first featured in the late 1980s, but the design stuck around into the early 2000s. In an effort to more closely resemble the features of a Golden Eagle, Ellsworth basked in his “golden hour,’ sporting a sleek all gold look with green “talons” to match.
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The 2000s
In the early 2000s, Ellsworth moved away from his all-gold appearance and adopted another new look. Featuring a fuzzy white head, golden beak, and deep green feathers, this look reflected Brockport pride as the University entered a new millenia.
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The Mascot King
This version of Ellsworth, which tirelessly served from 2013 - 2025, brought a bold and distinctive look that our Golden Eagles fell in love with. Featuring a golden head, reflective of the golden neck feathers seen on a Golden Eagle, and a green beak. In 2024, Ellsworth won the SUNY Mascot Madness competition, making him the #1 mascot in all of SUNY.
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The Future of Ellsworth
After more than a decade of wear and tear, Ellsworth unveiled a refreshed look at Homecoming 2025. The redesign aimed to preserve the character and spirit fans know and love, while improving the overall quality, comfort, and durability of the suit.
