HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
News Release
October 15, 2024
For more information, contact:
Laura Brelsford | laura.brelsford@hawks.huntingdon.edu | 334-833-4563
Meet Hank the Hawk and His Alter Ego, Bodie Hardy ’27
Montgomery, AL – In the spring of 1958, the students knew they needed to establish a mascot to be ready for their fall athletic debut at the first Huntingdon intercollegiate basketball game. The student body voted, and we became the Hawks.
The yearbooks of the 50’s and 60’s show pictures of an actual hawk as the mascot and in 1964, the students voted to name the hawk “Apogee”. But as much as the students loved Apogee, he needed a little help hyping up the crowd for pep rallies and home games, so in 1968, the first costumed hawk stepped/flew onto campus.
The costumed hawk mascot appeared over the years in photos but never seemed to have a name. That changed in 2004 when the campus held a competition, and “Hank the Hawk” became official!
Many spirited and devoted Huntingdon students have enjoyed the honor of being Hank’s alter ego. The latest is Bodie Hardy ‘27. Hank/Bodie played “10 questions” with HC News to give the Huntingdon family a quick introduction to the newest persona of Hank.
- Where is home? Brewton, Alabama
- What is your major? Business Administration
- Why did you choose Huntingdon? I liked the small community that really felt like home.
- What’s your favorite thing about Huntingdon? All the smiling faces around campus!
- What else are you involved in at HC beyond being Hank’s alter ego? I’m also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.
- Why did you want to be Hank’s alter ego? I thought it would be a great way for me to be more involved on campus and spread good vibes.
- Is there a professional sports mascot that Hank could channel and learn from for game days? I think Jaxson de Ville from the Jacksonville Jaguars would be a good mascot to look up to.
- What do you think is the most iconic thing about Hank? The muscles.
- What do you enjoy most about being Hank’s alter ego? Keeping the fans and teams energized.
- What is the most challenging thing about Hank? Moving around in Hank’s big feet. That’s the hardest part about being the hawk.
Hawk fans, look for Hank during Homecoming weekend at alumni events and on the sideline during the game! He is always happy to pose for a photo and cheer along with the crowd!
Huntingdon College, grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the United Methodist Church, is committed to nurturing growth in faith, wisdom, and service and to graduating individuals prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Founded in 1854, Huntingdon is a coeducational liberal arts college.
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