Boomer the Bison is the beloved mascot of Bethany College, representing both the spirit of the school and the strength of all 24 Bison athletic teams. More than just a game-day presence, Boomer symbolizes endurance, pride, and unity—qualities long associated with the bison itself. He appears at athletic events, pep rallies, and campus traditions to energize the community, and has even been the face of outreach programs such as “Boomer and Books,” which connected student-athletes with local children to promote literacy.
The nickname “Bison” has been tied to Bethany athletics for decades, but the costumed mascot known as Boomer is a more recent expression of that identity. Boomer appears in college yearbooks from the late 1990s, showing he was firmly established on campus by that time. By the mid-2000s, he was active not only at games but also in community engagement efforts, further cementing his role as more than just a sideline entertainer. Over the years, Bethany College has occasionally refreshed his look and even unveiled new bison figures to enhance his presence on campus including the signature Bison statue on Richardson Lawn.
While the exact date of Boomer’s debut and the story behind his name are not clearly documented, his importance to Bethany culture is undeniable. Today, he continues to be a central figure in campus life, celebrated during events like National Bison Day and Homecoming Weekend. Boomer stands as a living symbol of Bethany pride, embodying the resilience and camaraderie of the #OneBethany community.
