Photo Credit: Submitted
Arkansas Tech University is more than just classrooms and sports fields: it’s a place where traditions have grown and evolved to connect generations of students.
The story begins in 1911; ATUs first football team took the field as the Aggies. At the time, the school had strong agricultural ties, and the name fit the idea of a hardworking team. In 1920, however, something changed. On Nov. 17, the Arkansas Gazette referred to the team as the “Wonder Boys” after numerous victories, with special help from John Tucker. The name stuck immediately, capturing the grit and success of Tech’s athletes. From that point forward, Wonder Boys was a name worn with pride by athletes and students alike.
For decades, the Wonder Boys stood alone. Women’s athletics on campus were not formalized until over 30 years later. In 1951, ATU fielded its first official women’s team. The basketball team was affectionately referred to as the Wonder Girls or Wonderettes, a nod to the men’s teams. While the name reflected unity and tradition, it left the women’s teams without an independent identity.
By the 1970’s, Tech’s female athletes were gaining recognition, and they wanted a new name to represent them. In 1975, the women of ATU voted to change their team’s name, selecting Golden Suns as a replacement. The name symbolized a new era of athletics.
While these names and mascots have shaped ATU’s sports history, another tradition walked into Tech history in the 1930’s. A staff member named W.O. Young often brought his bulldog, Jerry, to campus with him. Jerry quickly became a student favorite and was so cherished that when he passed away in 1937, the newspaper published a front-page article on the loss.
For decades, Jerry’s story lived buried in the archives of Tech history until it was rediscovered in 2012. After a year of research and planning, the Student Government Association cast a unanimous vote on Oct. 23, 2013, to bring back Jerry the Bulldog as a campus ambassador.
Jerry Charles Young I was introduced to campus on Oct. 26, 2013. Jerry was more than just an ambassador. He was a friendly face at countless games, pep rallies, and campus events. He served Tech for nearly a decade until his retirement in 2022.
His successor, Jerry Charles Young II served as the campus ambassador from Oct. 1, 2022 until May 2023. He retired after less than a year of service due to chronic health conditions.
Jerry Charles Young III took office on April 24, 2023. He continues the tradition with energy and enthusiasm, attending nearly every game or campus activity.
Jerry is a living link between the university and the surrounding community, reminding all of Tech’s history.
Together, the Wonder Boys, Golden Suns, and Jerry the Bulldog represent a school that values hard work, dedication, and connection. They represent more than just athletics—they reflect the spirit of ATU.
