SUNY Brockport mascot Ellsworth the Eagle soars back in time to celebrate his 67th birthday. Brockport Student Government (BSG) and the Student Union Leadership and Activities (SULA) hosted Ellsworth’s “Party like its 1957” birthday celebration in the Union Main Lounge Thursday Oct. 10.
The lounge was transformed into a vibrant retro drive-in theatre with a stocked complimentary concession stand offering birthday cake, burgers, root beer floats and more. A movie was projected on the back wall while Ellsworth took polaroid pictures with fellow Golden Eagles. Brockport’s mascot king had green and gold gifts piled high near the jukebox and “E’s Trap Nest” after party awaiting him later that night.
“The activities board vision just came to life, and it looks beautiful,” BSG President Tenin Sidime said. “I just like seeing students showing out and being aware of what Ellsworth is and how to celebrate him.”
While Ellsworth brings all the school spirit and fun, he is more than just a mascot. In 1957 the Golden Eagles dubbed their mascot Ellsworth in honor of the father of Brockport football Robert Ellsworth “Bob” Boozer.
For many years students at the then-Brockport State Teachers College lobbied for a football team. Boozer became head coach in the fall of 1947. He molded young men just out of WWII into a quality football team of 158 players. According to the Brockport Athletics website he led the Golden Eagles for 13 years with the first winning season in school history in 1957 ending 4-2-1.
Boozer taught physical education at the college from 1947 to 1979 as well as coaching the track and field team to two of its three first SUNYAC men’s outdoor titles. Boozer died on Sunday Oct. 1, 2006, age 94 after battling cancer. He left an impactful legacy that carries on in the community and brings the Golden Eagles together proudly.
“I feel like Ellsworth honestly supports a sense of joy for the community,” BSG Vice President Maryam Nor said. “I feel like at least whenever I see Ellsworth, I’m always excited…but it’s just nice to have Ellsworth be a sense of support and be something that brings smiles across our community.”
Brockport is wishing a happy birthday to Ellsworth, the face of the Golden Eagles, a symbol of Boozers impact and the embodiment of Brockport unity and pride.
