The Golden Bear name was chosen in 1928 by Wayne Geissinger, Dallas Head and Dallas's father Depew Head who collectively chose the name Golden Bear after looking through a college guide of different mascot names. It would first appear in the Norwester in 1928 as a sports nickname for Upper Arlington and the school colors would subsequently change from orange and black to gold and black to match the new name.

28 years later, in 1956 the nine foot, 500lb Alaskan Brown Bear that sits in the High School would be donated by resident Jimmy Crum who, along with Denver Simmons and Dick Von Maur hunted the animal in Alaska, had it shaved and stuffed in California. They  took it around to various athletic activities for a few years before it was donated in 1956. In 1986, the Upper Arlington Civic Association acquired a 15ft inflatable bear (seen at bottom, it made one guest appearance during a football game vs. Worthington) before it was retired in 2011. Today, the same Golden Bear who travels down the Fourth of July parade route helps cheer on the Golden Bears next to the field each year!

 The Upper Arlington High School has won 143 state championships across their 33 varsity sports since 1930. The Football team has championships in 1967, 1968, 1969 and 2000. We are proud to support the High School football games on Fridays!