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“In all of sports, there’s only one
Horned Frog”
In 1897, TCU students and school officials adopted “Horned Frog”
as the title for the student yearbook, and the lizard was soon
embraced as the school mascot.
The original Frog mascot made its debut at the opening game of
the 1949 football season. The TCU student body had repeatedly
called for a mascot that could actually participate in half-time
activities during football games. The Daily Skiff
reported that the new costume would be “complete with horns,
scales, and ridges,” with “space inside for a human being.” The
original mascot, a six-foot tall purple creature known as “Addie
the Fighting Frog,” was named after Addison Clark,
Jr., who promoted intercollegiate athletics during the early
years of the University.
As
TCU students developed various costumed characters
in the decades since 1949,
the Horned Frog mascot
has undergone many transformations. In 1979, TCU athletic
promotions director John Grace created SuperFrog.  He wanted a
mascot
“which
people could laugh with, instead of laughing at.”
The most recent version of
the SuperFrog costume was unveiled in 1999.
The new Frog sported a more muscular physique and new clothes
with numerous foam horns. The formally droopy eyes were replaced
with a more focused look. The Daily Skiff reported that
the new Frog was tougher and intimidating. An air-conditioned
vest was a welcomed addition for students inside the suit.
In addition to rousing fans at TCU sporting events, SuperFrog is
often on hand for charity and promotional events.
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