Seagull History
How often have you wondered how and why the common seagull became the
official mascot of Everett High School? Many other schools have fiercer,
nobler creatures for mascots. Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my! If you
secretly suffered from mascot-envy in high school, this is a must-read.
 Sammy
the Seagull, Everett High School's mascot, has a long and colorful history.
In spite of his often feisty demeanor, his selection had little to do with
the ferocity, cunning or athletic prowess of seagulls. If that had been the
objective, there are certainly more imposing figures for a high school
mascot. Rather, the seagull became viewed as a benevolent, soaring free
spirit, whose presence aloft brought luck to Everett High's spirited
athletic teams.
.jpg) During
and after World War I, after already serving in the war in Europe, a young
Welsh immigrant and football coach named Enoch "Baggy" Bagshaw (namesake of
Everett's Bagshaw Field), began producing national-class teams at EHS. (At
right, a 1912 Nesika photo of Coach Bagshaw, former UW starting
quarterback.) To the city's delight its crown jewel, Everett High School,
quickly gained prominence under Baggy's leadership, as a sports
powerhouse. The 1919 team tied for the esteemed national high school
football championship.
The following year, the 1920 team won that title outright. It was during
that joyous 1920 season when fans began hailing the seagulls floating over
the playing field as emblems of victory. On January 1, 1921, in a game
billed as the national high school championship, Everett's football team
beat Cleveland Tech, 16-7.
When a gray seagull glided in a figure-eight pattern over the field, the
crowd cheered. That good-luck flight helped lead the school to change its
nickname. Meanwhile, Baggy Bagshaw moved on to coach the University of
Washington Huskies, confirming his standing as one of the country's greatest
coaches of his time. (See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enoch_Bagshaw.)
By the mid-1920s, Everett High School athletic teams formally adopted the
Seagull mascot and nickname that still identify the school today. For more
on those record-setting early years of EHS football, go to
EHS Football
History.
 |
Everett High School football home
game during the 1914 season. This view appeared on page 84 of the
EHS annual "Nesika" under the heading "1914 Champions in Action." |
For an incredibly informative online encyclopedia of Washington State
and local history, please visit:
Our sincerest thanks for the following to
Third Street
Books, Marysville, WA ("The Book Lady," Darilee Bednar, EHS 1965)
|
