(WNY News Now) – In a joyful celebration at the Plattsburgh State Field House, Burghy, the iconic cardinal mascot of SUNY Plattsburgh, marked its 43rd birthday with cake, party hats, and ice-skating antics on January 20, 2024.
Burghy, conceived by Student Association officers and advisers in the late 1970s, came to life in 1981 when Patrick Kane donned the handmade costume. The late Dr. Ernest Rangazas bestowed the red bird with its nickname, and Burghy made a memorable debut during a hockey game against Oswego in 1981.
The recent birthday celebration, sparked by a social media post, featured a generous cake donation from Chartwells and Burghy plushies from College Auxiliary Services. The festivities included a ceremonial puck drop by Kane before the women’s hockey game, where the Cardinal women secured victories of 7-0 and 5-0 against Buffalo State Bengals, while the men triumphed 8-2 against Morrisville.
Burghy remains a cherished figure on campus, embodying school spirit and unity across decades.
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