Bronco
‘The bronco,’ said Father Flynn, ‘is a native western piece of dynamite, not too large, it is true, but hard as nails, and always game to the core. The original bronco used to do his stuff regularly in the arena around the old Mission, and it is but fitting that his name and fame be perpetuated on those same fields of conquest, where lusty warriors of California heritage kick and buck their way to many a glorious triumph.’
-Annals of Santa Clara, 1857-1957
Since 1923, Santa Clara University has adopted the bronco as its official mascot. The concept of selecting the bronco as the university's mascot was initially proposed by Father Flynn, an esteemed educator at Mission Santa Clara. Father Flynn viewed the bronco as a symbol embodying the spirit of early California, representing the determination and industriousness of individuals striving for achievement and recognition. This association stemmed from the bronco's historical significance in the context of the colonizers' efforts to settle and claim land, including the territory previously inhabited by the Ohlone people.
The decision to adopt the bronco as Santa Clara University's mascot encountered comparable controversy to that surrounding the statue of Junípero Serra. Utilizing a mascot that symbolizes the mission period and embodies the spirit of territorial acquisition raises concerns about the university's potential disregard for the experiences of Native peoples during colonization. Moreover, this choice underscores the ongoing emphasis that SCU places on the history and legacy of the Mission, potentially overshadowing the indigenous perspectives and narratives that deserve recognition and inclusion.