Falcon pride was shown at the Battle of I-75, where six Freddies and Freidas were unmasked.
The Freddies were revealed to be Calen Gray, Tyshaun Herron and Alexander Peete, while the Friedas were Mariah Hahn, London Kelly and Mirabella DeTillio.
“I’ve had the most amazing experience. I’ve gained so many relationships in the Bowling Green (BG) community and it’s really just made me feel like I have a purpose here at BG,” DeTillio said.
Similar to DeTillio, the other birds shared that they have gained many friendships.
“The system support in the community at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was kind of what I gained. BG has a community that runs so deep and genuine, I don’t even know how to explain it. It wouldn’t be Freddie and Frieda if it weren’t for the community at BGSU, and I really appreciate the support, the love and the care that you all put into the mascots,” Kelly said.
A favorite memory from Gray was an exciting moment at a football game.
“My favorite memory has got to be homecoming, jumping out of that cake was the craziest thing ever to me, and just seeing everyone get excited together, that was just incredible, and I’ll never forget that,” Gray said.
Vera Davis, a biology major, said she knew Gray from high school and was surprised to learn that he was a bird.
“I didn’t expect it at all, but I’m super psyched. We went and hugged and said ‘hi,’ and then we all took a picture of everybody who went to high school together,” Davis said.
A favorite memory for Herron was marching down the street at the holiday parade.
“I love Christmas, first off. So it was just great to be doing a Christmas event. I like that event because not only was it BGSU students, it was also the BG community, and I was spreading a lot of happiness that day. I came out of that event feeling very good,” Herron said.
Students like Daniel Tomalak, a business major, were shocked that he knew one of the Freddies.
“One of my pledge brothers was actually the bird, and it was pretty cool to watch him on the big screen. I was shocked, considering his schedule being so busy, but I guess you could make time for anything,” Tomalak said.
Past Freddies and Frieda also came out to the game to support the current Freddies and Friedas unveiling.
“It was so fun to support them from this side as an alumni. I haven’t been back for a hot minute, so it was really cool to see all of the camaraderie between alumni. Seeing all the cool, spectacular stunts and everything that they did for their reveal and just seeing the joy on people’s faces that they brought is unreal,” said Charlie Nykiel, a Freddie from 2022 to 2023.
Gray recommends being a Freddie or a Frieda if given the chance.
“If you love BG, if you love giving back, if you love community service, this is the most incredible, most interesting way that you could imagine giving back. It is just so much more than rewarding,” Gray said.
