The choice of a mascot name is often a contentious issue for sports teams and universities. One institution that faced controversy over their mascot name is Northwestern University. For many years, Northwestern's sports teams were referred to as the "Purple," a nickname derived from the school's signature color. However, in 1924, a student-led vote took place to select a new mascot name for the university. After much deliberation and debate, the majority of students voted to adopt the name "Wildcats" as the official mascot. This decision was met with both enthusiasm and criticism.
So when did Willie the Wildcat show up? Well, his start wasn’t the first for mascots at Northwestern. A caged bear cub by the name of Furpaw made treks from the Lincoln Park Zoo starting in 1923. After a couple of years and a bad losing season, they dumped Furpaw. The athletic department partnered with an advertising firm in 1933 to create the first image of Willie. It took 14 years but the image manifested itself as a costumed mascot when the Alpha Delta fraternity dressed up as him for Homecoming.
Northwestern, a charter member of the Big 10 Conference, kicked into existence way back in 1851 and is the only private institution in the conference. Northwestern, a charter member of the Big 10 Conference, kicked into existence way back in 1851 and is the only private institution in the conference.
This decision was met with both enthusiasm and criticism. Some argued that "Wildcats" was too generic and lacked a strong connection to Northwestern's identity. Despite the feedback, the "Wildcats" name stuck, and it has been the official mascot for over 90 years.
Mascot Monday: Willie The Wildcat (The Other One)
Mascot Monday rolls on to another week and you may be wondering why I’m revisiting another mascot. Welp, you are wrong there as I am not talking about Kansas State’s Willie the Wildcat but Northwestern’s Willie the Wildcat. They have the same name, the same color, and almost the same history. It’s going to be hard to avoid comparisons but I”m going to do my best. I mean one is from the cold winds of Chicago and the other is from the Little Apple of Manhattan, Kansas. See there we go, let’s see what else we find.
Northwestern, a charter member of the Big 10 Conference, kicked into existence way back in 1851 and is the only private institution in the conference. It sounds like the football team started kicking dirt up around 1876, but there’s no hard evidence that points to it. The name ‘Wildcats’ was not the first one for Northwestern. Before 1924, they were known as ‘The Purple’ and in some circles, ‘The Fighting Methodists.’ That all changed when Wallace Abbey called the team ‘Wildcats’ in an article for the Chicago Daily Tribune.
So when did Willie the Wildcat show up? Well, his start wasn’t the first for mascots at Northwestern. A caged bear cub by the name of Furpaw made treks from the Lincoln Park Zoo starting in 1923. After a couple of years and a bad losing season, they dumped Furpaw. The athletic department partnered with an advertising firm in 1933 to create the first image of Willie. It took 14 years but the image manifested itself as a costumed mascot when the Alpha Delta fraternity dressed up as him for Homecoming.
A reboot of the Willie the Wildcat costume debuted in 2007 so let’s take a look. Willie the Wildcat has a full fur suit from head to toe. Northwestern opted for grey fur but the head is just a little bit different. Willie’s head has white tufts of fur that stick out at the top and the sides. There also appears to be stripes of black around the cheeks. I don’t see any protruding whiskers on Willie. Willie also sports the football jersey but it bottomless. You know, Disney style.
Okay Okay I can’t help it. Both Willie the Wildcats are just too similar. But the Northwestern Willie was first, as the Kansas State Willie came in the 1960s. Did Kansas State rip off Northwestern? Maybe. They both have grey heads (even though Kansas State Willie was yellowish first), they both wear the purple, they both have white fur stripes. My take is that it is a half-assed rip off. The Kansas State Willie has the grey head but wears a full football uniform with no extra body fur. The Northwestern Willie is bottomless but has fur all the way around. It’s a good thing that order is not switched.
I’m done confusing you. Northwestern Willie has the edge over Kansas State Willie. The full fur body trumps human football uniform always. Also, I did that the fur tufts stick out on Northwestern Willie’s head versus Kansas State Willie’s military cut just doesn’t do it for me. Before you ask, yes, I had long hair in college. So while both Willies aren’t the best out there, they both are pretty decent. Northwestern’s Willie the Wildcat has the most street cred, though.
Mascot Monday rolls on to another week and you may be wondering why I’m revisiting another mascot. Welp, you are wrong there as I am not talking about Kansas State’s Willie the Wildcat but Northwestern’s Willie the Wildcat. They have the same name, the same color, and almost the same history. It’s going to be hard to avoid comparisons but I”m going to do my best. I mean one is from the cold winds of Chicago and the other is from the Little Apple of Manhattan, Kansas. See there we go, let’s see what else we find.
It has become synonymous with Northwestern University's athletic program and is recognized nationwide. Over the years, the Northwestern Wildcats have achieved considerable success in various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and more. The name has become associated with a sense of pride and has helped foster a strong sense of community among the university's student body and alumni. The "Wildcats" mascot name has faced occasional calls for change, with some arguing that it does not accurately represent the university's academic prowess or historical significance. However, these voices have been in the minority, and the name remains unchanged. In conclusion, the mascot name for Northwestern University is the "Wildcats." Despite initial controversy, the name has become an integral part of the university's identity and has been embraced by the student body and alumni. It symbolizes the athletic achievements and pride associated with Northwestern's sports teams..
Reviews for "Mascot Names and Social Media: Analyzing the Conversations Around Northwestern"
1. Sarah - 1-star rating - As an alumna of Northwestern University, I was disappointed to hear that the school had chosen the mascot name "Wildcats." It feels so generic and unoriginal compared to the rich history and academic excellence of the university. I expected a unique and meaningful mascot name that represents the values and achievements of Northwestern. "Wildcats" just doesn't cut it for me.
2. John - 2-star rating - I understand that Northwestern University needed a mascot name that resonates with the broader public, but "Wildcats" is such a cliché and uninspiring choice. The name lacks creativity and fails to capture the essence of the Northwestern community. Moreover, the name does not differentiate Northwestern from other schools with the same mascot name. I believe the university missed an opportunity to adopt a more distinctive and meaningful mascot name.
3. Emily - 1-star rating - I find it hard to believe that Northwestern University, known for its academic prestige, settled on a lackluster and unimaginative mascot name like "Wildcats." It feels like a cop-out and a disservice to the university's reputation. I expected a name that would inspire pride and reflect the intellectual prowess of Northwestern students and faculty, but "Wildcats" falls short in every aspect. It's a disappointing choice for sure.
4. Michael - 3-star rating - While "Wildcats" is a relatively generic mascot name, I can understand why Northwestern University chose it. It's a safe and easily recognizable name that appeals to a wide audience. However, I do wish the university had been more creative in selecting a mascot name that truly represents the unique qualities and achievements of Northwestern. "Wildcats" may not be the worst choice, but it certainly lacks the wow factor that I would have expected from such a prestigious institution.
5. Alex - 2-star rating - The mascot name "Wildcats" feels like a missed opportunity for Northwestern University to showcase its distinctiveness. It's a common and overused name that fails to capture the spirit of the university. I would have expected a more creative and engaging mascot name that reflects Northwestern's values, such as its commitment to innovation and academic excellence. "Wildcats" just doesn't do justice to the incredible institution Northwestern is.