Saint Francis changed its athletics nickname from the Red Flash to the Red Wolves in June. Its mascot has also changed from Frankie the Friar to the Wolf of Gubbio as the University moves from competing in Division I athletics to performing at the Division III level in 2026-27.
With the transition from Division I to Division III, some University officials thought it would be a good idea to introduce a new nickname and a new mascot.
“This is a way to honor the past and also be able to distinguish it from the future that we are building,” said SFU Associate Director of Athletics Lisa Swope.
Swope pitched the idea of a new mascot after a trip she made to Italy with other members of the University’s faculty and staff. The group visited the town of Gubbio, Italy, during its trip.
While Swope and the others were in Gubbio, they learned the story of St. Francis of Assisi and the wolf.
In the story, a fierce wolf terrorizes the people of the Italian town. St. Francis then visits Gubbio and blesses the wolf. His blessing tames the wolf and the people of Gubbio agree to provide the wolf with food if it agrees to stop attacking them.
“The Wolf of Gubbio symbolizes the transition we are going through,” said Swope. “The wolf transitioned from a predator to a friend. This was monumental for the town of Gubbio.
“Our transition from Division I athletics to Division III athletics is monumental for all of us here.”
Swope said that the new logo pays homage to the former Red Flash logo with the inclusion of a lightning bolt in Gubbio the Wolf’s coat. There are also angel wings and pine trees featured in the new logo.
Students have mixed feelings about the University’s new athletics logo and mascot.
“I’m a fan of it. I think it represents the University well,” said sophomore Physical Therapy major Brad Boring.
“As a freshman I was looking forward to being Red Flash, so it was disappointing that we are now the Red Wolves,” said freshman Exercise Physiology major Addison Kelly.
“I think it’s good for the future,” said senior Accounting and Business Analytics major Hope Telech.
“However, I’ve been Red Flash since I was a freshman, so I wish I could’ve graduated with Red Flash and Frankie. But I think it will be good for the school overall.”
