The History of Ben the Bulldog

McPherson College was nicknamed the “Bulldogs” around 1917 after the hiring of Ellis D. Verink to coach the men’s basketball team.  Verink’s white English Bulldog, Ben, would come accompany the team to practices and games, both home and away.  Ben would perform and frolic on the court between halves of the basketball contests and held a place of honor beside the bench.