The unbridled potential of Bucky the Bronco

The Broncos’ roster for March Madness introduced a new teammate of sorts—a revitalized Bucky the Bronco. This Bucky, intended to add some additional fun and friendly elements to the familiar mascot, has light brown fur, a black mane, and forward-facing eyes and ears, and he rocks black sneakers emblazoned with symbols of his Santa Clara pride. The identity of who dons the Bucky suit each year remains a mystery, but the tradition dates back to 1976, when Kim (Malley) Belotti ’79 constructed a makeshift Benny the Bronco costume with a papier-mâché head to help lift the spirits of the basketball team (Benny became Bucky in 1995). Today, Bucky is a beloved fixture of athletic matchups, university events, and community gatherings—and an icon to a legion of Broncos.