Bowling Green State University Athletics
(Departments - History & Tradition) -Athletic Archives and Museum #2
Athletics Archives and Museum #2
This photo shows some of the memorabilia that is displayed in the BGSU Athletics Archives and Museum. On top of the cabinet is an old head of Freddie Falcon.
Inside of the cabinet, Mickey also keeps sports almanac books with information about BGSU athletics, photos of past athletes and coaches, and souvenirs from various BGSU athletics events.
This next photo shows the first Frieda Falcon costume. The first Frieda Falcon, who was referred to as "Mrs. Freddie Falcon," was actually a male cheerleader in disguise. The Year was 1966. Displayed with the costume are other items that were either collected or donated from past BGSU athletics contests.
A pair of football pants from an old BGSU football uniform, and a Freddie Falcon Costume from the past are probably two of the Athletics Archives and Museum's highly treasured artifacts. The cotton canvas football pants are one of Mickey Cochrane's favorite items in the Museum. He says the pants were donated by Peg (Troyer) Downey whose father played football for the Falcons on the first team in 1919. She had the pants in her attic and donated them to the Athletics Archive for the BGSU 75th celebration in 1985.
This is a photo of the Northeast wall inside of the Athletics Archives and Museum. Hanging on the wall are photos of various BGSU athletics teams and athletes that displayed exceptional talent and were rewarded for their accomplishments.
This wall also contains additional Falcon athletics memorabilia such as a pennant, buttons, stickers, and even news clippings about the history of BGSU's nickname "The Falcons."
Mickey Cochrane is the current curator at the Athletics Archives and Museum here at BGSU. Mickey's tenure with the university dates back to 1965 as the Falcons Head Men's Soccer Coach. He coached the team for 13 years and accumulated 68 victories during that time. Mickey's valuable contribution to the men's soccer program brought him Ohio's "Coach of the Year" award in 1969, and again in 1972. He led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1972 and '73, an Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Championship in 1973, and Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association Mid-American Conference Titles in 1968, '69, '73, and again in '75. It was in 1980, that the soccer facility was dedicated and named "Mickey Cochrane Field" in his honor, for his years of success and dedication to the men's soccer program.
Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) courses. His love and passion for Falcon athletics eventually brought him to his current position as Curator.
If you have not had the chance to stop by the BGSU Athletics Archives and Museum, or visit with Mickey, it is strongly encouraged! The experience is unique and heart warming, not to mention VERY educational!
To make an appointment to visit the Athletics Archives and Museum, donate any Falcon athletics memorabilia, or if you have a question about the history of Falcon athletics, please contact Mickey Cochrane at (419) 352-6401.