what is a buckeye mascot

A Buckeye is the official nickname of Ohio State University, and it has two meanings. First, it refers to a small, shiny, dark brown nut with a light tan patch that comes from the official state tree of Ohio, the buckeye tree. According to folklore, carrying a buckeye brings good luck. Second, it is the name of the Ohio State University mascot, Brutus Buckeye, who is a giant nut. The mascot was created in 1965 by Ohio State students Ray Bourhis and Sally Huber, who convinced the athletic council that Ohio State needed a mascot. A buck deer was initially considered, but it was rejected as impossible. Instead, the buckeye was selected because it is the official state tree of Ohio. The first Brutus Buckeye costume was a simple papier-mâché nut constructed by students, which was soon replaced by a fiberglass shell. The buckeye leaf is also a symbol used by Ohio State football players. A round white decal, about the size of a quarter, with a green depiction of a buckeye leaf is applied to Ohio State football helmets for big plays and consistency on the field. This tradition started in 1967 when Woody Hayes and longtime trainer Ernie Biggs... .