WHO IS

WALDO THE WOLVERINE

The story of how Belen Jesuit became the home of the Wolverines has, over time, taken on the character of a cherished tradition. Part history, part legend, the narrative is shaped by the memories of those who lived it. In 1961, following the expulsion of the Jesuits from Cuba and the confiscation of El Colegio de Belén by the Castro regime, Jesuit priests arrived in Miami and quickly established Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. As they began building a new school community in a new country, they faced the initial challenge of adapting to a different culture and language.

Recognizing the importance of school identity, especially among local schools, they set out to choose a mascot. Legend has it that during this search, Fr. Luis Ripoll Galán, S.J. ’36, heard the word "Wolverine" while watching a University of Michigan football game. Drawing inspiration from the crest of St. Ignatius of Loyola, which remains a critical part of the Belen Jesuit logo, he immediately associated the wolverine with the wolves of the Ignatian crest, mistakenly believing it was simply the diminutive form of a wolf.

What began as a simple misunderstanding, however, soon became something far more meaningful. Although Fr. Ripoll, S.J. may have accidentally assigned us the wrong mascot, his choice foreshadowed the ferocity and tireless work ethic with which future generations of Wolverines would compete.

The wolverine was quickly embraced by our community and grew into an enduring symbol, one that perfectly reflects our collective strength and resilience.

The name Waldo for the Wolverine emerged later, in the early 1980s. The mascot took on a more active and spirited role in student life. Over the years, Waldo’s appearance has continued to evolve to meet the times. The most recent version debuted in 2024, continuing the legacy of a symbol that has become unmistakably Belen.