By Wesley Harris
The donation of a collar worn by one of Louisiana Tech’s beloved English Bulldog mascots has stoked memories of the long line of canines that have represented the university.
Early in January, an anonymous donor sent a long-lost dog collar worn by Tech IX in the 1950s to University President Dr. Jim Henderson.
Henderson’s Facebook page acknowledged the donation. “This piece of our mascot history has returned home,” Henderson wrote.
Henderson told the LPJ that he would keep a close eye on it until further plans could be made.
“The collar will be displayed on a bulldog statue in my office for the time being,” said Henderson.
He added plans are in the works for a larger place to exhibit a host of Tech memorabilia soon.
In December, the donor posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), seeking the best way to get the collar in the right hands:
“Last year I bought the ‘TECH IX’ mascot (circa 1951) dog collar on eBay. Help me get it back to Louisiana Tech? @LATechFB @LATech @KirkHerbstreit @DubsUW”
The donor, who goes by “@Northwest Purple” on X is a prolific collector of sports memorabilia living in Seattle, Washington. A 2020 graduate of the University of Washington, Northwest Purple only provided the name of “Peter” when he sent the collar to President Henderson.
In a letter to Henderson, the donor wrote:
January 1, 2025
President Henderson,
I randomly bought this Tech IX collar on eBay in November 2023 from a seller in New Boston, Michigan.
I have been hoping to return it home to Louisiana Tech. I posted it . . . on Reddit and Twitter. Luckily, your son saw my post and made this connection.
Please accept this donation to the Bulldogs.
Hopefully the collar can find a good home at Tech’s athletic department or Hall of Fame.
All the best!
Peter
University of Washington, 2010
Tech IX was obtained by members of the T-Club with money contributed by Tech students and faculty. The new mascot came to Tech in April 1949 as a two-month old puppy already weighing over 20 pounds. His arrival prompted celebration seen by few Tech mascots before or after. Ceremonies both on the campus and in downtown Ruston marked April 13 as “Louisiana Tech Day.”
In a proclamation announcing the special day, Mayor H. T. Richardson welcomed Tech IX and appointed him “an honorary citizen of the City of Ruston, giving unto him full immunity from arrest and search and seizure,” wishing the canine “a long, pleasant and colorful career as mascot” of Louisiana Tech and “giving unto him all of the rights, privileges and immunities which appertain to dignitaries of his class and order.”
Richardson acknowledged the fund-raising prowess of Tech students showed “true college spirit.”
A large parade kicked off Tech Day. The procession started at the men’s gym on campus [Memorial Gym did not yet exist], winding through Ruston’s downtown, and culminating at the president’s house [now the Ropp Center] with bands playing, speeches voiced, and Tech IX receiving the traditional “Key to the City.”
A dance for students followed that evening.
As with other Tech mascots, Tech IX made appearances at athletic events and other university activities.
At the beginning of Tech’s 1951 summer session, Tech IX was placed under the care of Ruston veterinarian Dr. John Stiles. The 65-pound canine had suffered several mild heart attacks in the months before passing due to a heart condition.
Tech IX was buried in Ruston on July 11, 1951. Dr. Stiles attributed the death to another heart attack.
After the passing of Tech IX, a student-led fund-raising effort labeled “Ten Cents for Tech X” raised the money necessary to acquire another English Bulldog. Tech X arrived before football season in the fall of 1951.
The current mascot, Tech XXII, closely resembles his father, Tech XXI, and shares the spotlight with Champ, the university’s costumed mascot. Tech XXII lives with a local family with strong ties to the university. He receives meticulous care from a veterinarian and Tech veterinary science students. The University now has strict policies on how long mascots can serve.
