Dick Jacobs, Arizona State's first Sun Devil mascot, died Monday at age 91.
Jacobs performed as ASU's mascot from 1951-53. The school adopted the Sun Devils as its athletic nickname in 1946, changing from Bulldogs, then ASU alumnus Bert Anthony, a Disney illustrator, designed mascot Sparky in 1948.
When tryouts were held to select someone to portray Sparky, Jacobs was the only student to attend. A gymnast, he walked on his hands and tumbled to win the job then became well known for doing handstands on top of the goal post.