
Getty Image / Williams Paul / Icon Sportswire
The UConn Huskies dominated the San Diego State Aztecs on Monday night to win the school’s 5th National Championship and first since 2014.
In addition to myself who was in Houston for the title game, the UConn Huskies were joined by their lovable mascot Jonathan the XIV, an actual Husky dog.
Jonathan the XIV did encounter some airline obstacles getting to Houston but ultimately made it there in time for the Final Four:
Hey #huskynation I’m flying to Houston tonight!!! Thank you to @uconnhuskies , @NCAA and @Delta for all your support. Special shout-out to Jennifer & Sarah of Delta Airlines for their kindness Let’s do this! #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/6iBlnl67uT
— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) March 30, 2023
Jonathan the XIV was a bit of a celebrity around Houston. He hit the park for some swimming time:
Celebrated last nights win with a pool party this morning. 🐾 pic.twitter.com/HEagfJqTHX
— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) April 2, 2023
And celebrated UConn’s historic 5th National Title.
— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) April 4, 2023
After the game, Jonathan the XIV headed back to New England where he received the warmest welcome at the airport.
Homeward bound!
Oh Connecticut, how I have missed you. Houston was amazing but there is no place like home. pic.twitter.com/bAzs6IfBw1— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) April 4, 2023
Halfway there! @Delta pic.twitter.com/nnT1Wlmymv
— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) April 4, 2023
And here is the money shot of the crowd welcoming Jonathan the XIV back to Connecticut like the adorable, lovable, and perfect dog that he is.
Back in Connecticut!
Thank you @ChesapeakBayDog for the harness! @Bradley_Airport pic.twitter.com/414qtKgEdl
— Jonathan the Husky (@JonathanHusky_) April 4, 2023
My biggest regret from the past 4ish days in Houston is that I didn’t run into UConn’s husky mascot in person.
For anyone not up to date on their Roman numerals, XIV is the 14th. There have been 14 Jonathan mascots to date, each one as special as his predecessor.
Jonathan the XIV was born in October 2013 in Arkansas and just witness his first UConn National Championship. It was a long drought for the Huskies but one that was greeted with the loudest of cheers.
For anyone wondering what a normal day looks like for Jonathan, wonder no longer. UConn uploaded a video two years ago showing a day-in-the-life of their Husky mascot: