Merlin the Mystic
The story of Bismarck State College’s mascot is full of charm, creativity and a little bit of magic. What began with a character named Old Yeller in 1976 slowly evolved into something far more symbolic, an identity shaped by comics, campus culture and decades of student spirit.
Old Yeller was the earliest known mascot at BSC, though details about him are scarce. Still, his presence set the stage for what would become a much deeper journey. By 1988, the first men’s basketball team was searching for a name. Students voted to call them the “Mystics”, reportedly inspired by Mandrake the Magician, a comic strip from the 1930s. The name felt unique, mysterious and full of potential. It wasn’t just a label. It felt like the beginning of something.
In 1995, students discovered a 1941 comic referencing the term “Mystic,” reinforcing that this name had real roots in pop culture. But while the name was catching on, the physical identity of a Mystic was still up in the air.
Between 1978 and 1987, students and staff at the college explored different directions for the mascot. In 1984, the football team even attempted to adopt a new identity, the Bearcats. Led by Woody Wilson, the head of the biology department and assistant coach of the football team, the rebrand effort sought something that felt more aggressive. But the idea didn’t stick. In 1987, when the student body was asked to weigh in, the decision was clear: they wanted to keep “Mystics”. Students felt the name was original and distinctive, and that connection to identity won out over any attempt to replace it.
Over time, the Mystics became more than a team, it became the soul of the school’s spirit. But there was still something missing. The Mystic mascot had never been officially named.
In the early years, students started referring to him as “Ian,” a mnemonic to help spell the word “Mystician.” It was a clever workaround, but it didn’t quite feel official. That changed in 2020 when student Jackson Hellmen proposed something new: Merlin. The name seemed to fit perfectly. A campus vote was held, and just like that, the mascot finally had a name.
Some believe the origin of “Mystic” might go back even further, possibly to a Bismarck Junior College professor’s 1939 suggestion referencing Mystic River, Connecticut. Whether the name came from comics or coastal towns, it’s clear that a blend of culture, curiosity and student voice has shaped the identity.
Merlin quickly became a familiar face on campus, robed, friendly and full of energy. For years, he’s greeted students with a warm smile and emerald robes, standing as a symbol of school pride and community. But as BSC evolved, so did the students, and it became time for Merlin to reflect that growth, too.
This fall, with input from the campus community, Merlin took on a fresh new look. A glow-up, if you will! The rebrand gave him a stronger, more collegiate presence. He became less of a cartoon figure and more of a symbol of confidence, resilience and leadership. The new Merlin still embodies the heart and history of BSC, but now with a look that matches the ambition of today’s students.
From Old Yeller to Merlin, the Mystic story is more than just a history of mascots. It’s a legacy built on imagination, student creativity and a commitment to tradition. The name “Mystic” has survived proposals, rebrands and decades of change, not because it was easy, but because it truly meant something to the people who carried it forward.
Today, Merlin the Mystic isn’t just a face in the crowd. He’s a living symbol of what makes BSC special. A place where tradition and transformation go hand in hand, and where every student is part of something just a little bit magical.
A Mystic is one who possesses a boundless desire to know, seeking to transcend the intellectual sense of knowing to discover the deepest truth of existence. The Mystic, however, senses that there is more to life, always looking beyond everyday concerns in a search for greater understanding, meaning and purpose.
Merlin's Bio
NAME: Merlin the Mystic
HOMETOWN: Bismarck, ND
BIRTHDAY: September 4
MAJOR: On a polytechnic path toward his MD (Mascot Degree)
FAVORITE COLOR: Green
FAVORITE ‘FIT: His hooded robe to keep warm during North Dakota winters, and any BSC apparel from the Bookstore he can fit over his head
HOBBIES: Going on adventures around campus, posing for selfies, and rallying MysticNation for game days
FAVORITE FOOD: The Mystic Burger, fresh off the Mystic Marketplace grill
FAVORITE HANGOUTS: Merlin likes to appear wherever Mystic spirit is strong, from the Student Union to the sidelines of Mystics athletic event
FAVORITE PASTIME: Playing pool in the game room (he always wins with his magic 8-ball)
FIERCEST ENEMY: Buster the Blue Hawk
Adventures with the Mystic