Ithaca College doesn’t have an official mascot—but we do have something even more powerful. If you’ve been to IC, you know we have a stadium-stomping identity that shows up at games, on campus, and in alumni circles all over the world. That name?
No mascot. Just momentum.
We know you came here looking for the definitive story on IC’s mascot. Let’s clear this up!
Bombers. Go Bombers!
The name Bombers didn’t arrive with an official launch. Instead, it emerged organically—likely through sportswriters covering IC athletics in the late 1930s. The nickname began appearing in regional newspapers, then in campus and local media, tied to teams like basketball and football as early as 1938. By the early 1940s, radio broadcasts and sports commentary were using it regularly. No campaign. Just momentum.
And no—it’s not about a warplane. On campus, “Bomber” has always meant the unstoppable force of student drive, grit, and community that binds everyone who connects with Ithaca College. Today, the name refers to IC’s athletic teams—and to students, alumni, and fans alike. It’s pride. It’s identity. It’s collective celebration. Walk across campus or step into a packed gym and you’ll hear it everywhere: