A Bullpup's Tale
How the MHS mascot became the "Bullpups"
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In the heart of Depression-era Kansas, an unlikely connection between an oil refinery and a high school mascot created a lasting legacy that continues to define McPherson High School's identity.
When Globe Oil & Refining Co. established its McPherson refinery in 1933, its choice of mascot would influence the community for generations to come. The refinery's workers, numbering about 100, chose a bulldog as their emblem – a symbol of determination and loyalty during challenging economic times.
The timing was significant. McPherson College had already established its own bulldog tradition, dating back to 1915 when a coach's live bulldog named "Ben" became the college's mascot. But it was the refinery's adoption of the bulldog that would ultimately inspire McPherson High School to create its own unique identity as the "Bullpups."
The refinery's influence extended beyond mere industrial presence. Its amateur basketball team, the McPherson Globe Refiners, achieved national recognition by contributing players to the U.S. team that captured gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This success further cemented the bulldog's status as a symbol of local pride and achievement.
In response to this growing community identity, McPherson High School made a clever adaptation. Rather than directly copying the refinery's bulldog mascot, they chose "Bullpups" – young bulldogs – creating a distinct yet connected identity that acknowledged both their youth and their ties to the community's industrial heritage.
The transition occurred organically in the mid-1930s, as local sports writers and school publications began regularly referring to the high school teams as "Bullpups." The name stuck, eventually becoming deeply embedded in the school's culture. The high school yearbook took on the title "The Bullpup," and the mascot was depicted as an English bulldog puppy, complete with a fierce expression and spiked collar.
Today, nine decades later, the Bullpup mascot remains a source of pride for McPherson High School. The progression from the refinery's bulldog to the high school's bullpup represents more than just a mascot choice – it symbolizes the intertwined relationship between McPherson's industrial heritage and its educational institutions.
While many high schools across America share common mascots like Eagles, Tigers, or Warriors, McPherson High School's Bullpup stands apart. It's a unique reminder of how a community's identity can be shaped by the convergence of industry, athletics, and education during a pivotal moment in history. The young bulldogs of McPherson High continue to carry this legacy forward, maintaining their connection to the industrial spirit that helped define their community during the challenging years of the Great Depression.
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