The mascot of Western Illinois University is called the Rocky the Bulldog. Rocky the Bulldog is a beloved symbol of the university and can often be spotted at various athletic events, campus activities, and community events. He is a friendly and energetic character who embodies the spirit and pride of Western Illinois University. Rocky the Bulldog is a representation of the university's athletic teams, known as the Leathernecks. The Leathernecks participate in various sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and baseball, among others. Rocky the Bulldog serves as a spirited ambassador for these teams and helps rally support and enthusiasm from students, alumni, and fans.

Five things to know about Western Illinois University

Rocky the Bulldog serves as a spirited ambassador for these teams and helps rally support and enthusiasm from students, alumni, and fans. The mascot's name, Rocky, was inspired by the rocky terrain and rugged landscape of Western Illinois. It also symbolizes the strength and determination of the university's athletes.

1What is a Leatherneck and why is it the nickname at Western Illinois? Leatherneck is a slang term for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, whose soldiers years ago wore stiff leatherneck collars to keep their posture upright. In 1927, Western Illi.

Western Illinois' nickname the Leathernecks and its English bulldog mascor are take from the traditions of the U.S. Marines Corps.

What is a Leatherneck and why is it the nickname at Western Illinois? Leatherneck is a slang term for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, whose soldiers years ago wore stiff leatherneck collars to keep their posture upright. In 1927, Western Illinois athletic director Roy Hanson gained permission to use the Leatherneck nickname and the English bulldog mascot to page homage to his service in the Marine Corps. Western Illinois is the only non-military university to use a military nickname.

Western Illinois is located in Macomb, which has a population of 21,516. It was named after Alexander Macomb, a general in the War of 1812.

Western Illinois has an enrollment of 8,694 students. Besides its main campus in Macomb, it also has a campus in Moline, Ill.

Notable alumni include: actor John Mahoney, best known for his portrayal of Frasier's dad in the TV sitcom 'Frasier'; pulitzer-prize winning reporter for the Chicago Sun Times Mark Konkel; former NFL linebacker Bryan Cox who is now the defensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons; former NFL Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison who is now a commentator for NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' and former Major League Baseball pitcher Rick Reuschel.

Western Illinois' football team has been playing its home games at Hanson Field since 1950 when it was named after former football, basketball and baseball coach Ray 'Rock' Hanson. The stadium seats 16,358 fans with an attendance record of 19,850 in a 1973 game against Central Michigan. But this season, attendance averages around 6,000 fans.

1 / 3: Hanson Field has been the home for Western Illinois football since 1950.

2 / 3: Rodney Harrison, commentator for NBC's Sunday Night Football, is a Western Illinois alumnus. Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

3 / 3: Former NFL linebacker and current Atlanta Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox is a Western Illinois alumnus. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Western Illinois University

The Mascot Memorial pays homage to WIU’s live mascots (past & present) and provides a history of the WIU Live Mascot Program. The memorial serves as a campus icon and point of pride for the Western community.

The Mascot Memorial prominently features a bronze bulldog statue sculpted by WIU Art Professor Duke Oursler. The sculpture, which was inspired by the characteristics and features of each of the WIU Live Mascots stands guard outside of the north entrance of the University Union Building, and is part of the Alumni Plaza.

Colonel's Doghouse

There’s nothing like riding in style and that is exactly what yours truly does on gameday. Colonel’s one of a kind doghouse is 12 sq. ft of luxury pup living. With working air conditioning, television, and the ability to hookup to our golf cart and be on the go, Colonel’s Doghouse is truly special thanks to the following individuals for their help in bringing the doghouse concept to reality!

• Retired Lt. Colonel Dave & Jackie Thompson
• Rusty Roselieb
• WIU Foundation
• WIU Photography & Design Production Services
• Fusion Tech
• WIU Housing & Dining Services
• Dan Bentz
• Molly Borth
• Brad Utter
• Natalie Divan

Give to the Live Mascot Program

The WIU Live Mascot Program is 100% supported through sponsorship and donors. Your donations help us with providing the many comforts it takes to raise a pampered pup as well as put our mascot program on the map!

Here are just a few things that your support has helped us with over the years:

• Colonel Rock’s Doghouse
• A sponsored hole at Macomb’s Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center
• Stickers, buttons, and other swag that is given out at appearances, parades, etc…
• A bulldog photo booth cutout at the Dave & Jackie Thompson Dog Park
• Colonel’s custom clothing

Sponsors

From healthcare, to transportation and everything else in the middle, numerous individuals and organizations ensure that Colonel Rock’s needs are met. If you would like to inquire about Colonel Rock sponsorship opportunities, contact Joe Roselieb.

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Western Illinois University

Western Illinois' first live mascot made its first appearance on Oct 10, 1959. The English Bulldog, which was purchased by the Student Government Association, was officially named Colonel Rock, following a contest in which more than 200 entries were received. The winning entry was chosen to honor former WIU Coach and Athletics Director, Ray "Rock" Hanson. A highly decorated veteran of World War I and World War II, Col. Hanson was responsible for bringing the Leathernecks nickname and the Marine Corps' traditions to Western Illinois University. Colonel Rock I was cared for by the John Storey family of Macomb.

Colonel Rock II: "Continuing with Tradition"

After Colonel Rock I passed away in February 1966 during his second cancer operation, Capt. Dale A. Luster, a recruiter from the Marine Corps League of Chicago, was instrumental in assisting the Corps' purchase of Colonel Rock II, aka "Rocky." On Sept. 26, 1968, Luster was killed in action in North Vietnam. In 1973, Colonel Rock II retired and the first costumed version of Western's mascot took the place of the canine mascot.

Colonel Rock: "The Era of the Unknowns"

Throughout the remainder of the 1970s, and into the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, several members of the WIU and Macomb communities kept the tradition of the live mascot alive as they volunteered their own English Bulldogs to serve in the capacity of the mascot. Two families in particular were the Don and Edy Daniels family of Colchester, Illinois, and the Riggens family from Carthage, Illinois, who bred and often brought their English bulldogs to the WIU campus.

Colonel Rock III: "A New Era"

On May 15, 2010, Western revived the live mascot program, ending the 37-year hiatus, when Colonel Rock III aka "Rocky" was introduced. Beth and Richard Siess of the Siess Ranch in Seneca, KS, donated the 10-week old English Bulldog to WIU. Joe Roselieb, an employee within WIU's Student Services Division, was named caretaker for WIU's new mascot. Eight years later, after a successful mascot career, Colonel Rock III officially retired. On January 25, 2021, just shy of his 11th birthday, Colonel Rock III passed away due to health-related issues.

Colonel Rock IV: "The Future""

On June 7, 2018, WIU welcomed Colonel Rock IV aka "Ray" as the newest addition to the Leatherneck family. Like his predecessor, the then-16-week-old English Bulldog (born on Valentine's Day) was donated by the Siess Ranch. Although not directly related, there is a distant lineage between Colonel Rock III and Colonel Rock IV. Like Rocky, the Roselieb Family serve as Ray's caretakers and handlers.

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WIU celebrates the fifth birthday of live mascot Col. Rock “Ray” IV

MACOMB (WGEM) - Western Illinois University’s live mascot, Col. Rock “Ray” IV received plenty of attention Tuesday in celebration of his fifth birthday.

The history of WIU’s live mascot dates back to 1959.

At that time, the univeristy’s Student Government Association purchased an English Bulldog, named Col. Rock I, after Col. Ray “Rock” Hanson, who is a World War I and World War II veteran.

Hanson would later become WIU’s athletic director and football coach.

Throughout the from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s, the live mascot program was suspended until Col. Rock III was introduced.

Col. Rock “Ray” IV is just the fourth live mascot in the school’s history.

“It’s about school spirit, it’s about that tradition that Western Illinois University is known for and just about having a good time in the middle of the week coming off a good Super Bowl and a long weekend, what better way to celebrate than with the live mascot in Col. Rock,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management Joe Roselieb.

Since the program’s resurrection in 2010, Roselieb has been the official caretaker for each live mascot.

He was first the caretaker of Col. Rock III, who was donated to the university at 10-weeks old. Col. Rock III would retire in 2018 and make way for the introduction of the current mascot.

Col. Rock III passed away in 2021.

Col. Rock “Ray” IV also enjoyed a cupcake or two during his birthday celebration.

Copyright 2023 WGEM. All rights reserved.

Bulldogs are known for their tenacity, loyalty, and fierce nature, qualities that reflect the resilience and competitive spirit of Western Illinois University's athletic programs. Rocky the Bulldog is often seen wearing Western Illinois University's colors, purple and gold. These colors further unite the mascot with the university and create a visual representation of school spirit and pride. They can be seen in Rocky's attire, such as a jersey or t-shirt, as well as in any props or accessories he may carry, such as flags, banners, or pom-poms. In addition to sporting events, Rocky the Bulldog can also be found engaging with the campus community and local community through various activities and outreach programs. Whether it's posing for photos with students, promoting school events, or supporting local causes, Rocky the Bulldog is a familiar and cherished figure at Western Illinois University. Overall, the Western Illinois University mascot, Rocky the Bulldog, plays a vital role in fostering school spirit, camaraderie, and support for the university's athletic teams. With his friendly and energetic presence, Rocky is a beloved symbol of pride and unity for both the Western Illinois University community and the wider local community..

Reviews for "Celebrating the Western Illinois Mascot: Annual Events and Traditions"

1. Jane - 1 star

I found the Western Illinois mascot to be extremely uninspiring and dull. It lacks creativity and fails to capture the school's spirit. The mascot costume itself looks cheap and outdated, and it does not engage the audience or evoke any enthusiasm. I believe that a strong and lively mascot can greatly enhance school spirit, but unfortunately, the Western Illinois mascot falls flat in this regard.

2. John - 2 stars

The Western Illinois mascot is forgettable and unimpressive. It lacks a distinctive and memorable design that can resonate with the audience. When watching games or events, the mascot fails to create any excitement or generate support for the team. It seems like a missed opportunity to showcase the school's pride and identity. Overall, I believe that Western Illinois can benefit from redesigning their mascot to create a more impactful and engaging representation.

3. Sarah - 2 stars

I was disappointed with the Western Illinois mascot as it lacks a sense of uniqueness and originality. It falls into the generic category of mascots that fail to stand out amongst others. The costume design is lackluster, and the overall performance is unremarkable. A mascot should be able to energize the crowd and boost team spirit, but unfortunately, the Western Illinois mascot does not achieve that. I hope to see a more memorable and charismatic representation in the future.

4. Mike - 1 star

The Western Illinois mascot is a complete letdown. It fails to generate any excitement or engagement from the audience. The costume design is unappealing and lacks creativity, making it easily forgettable. It seems like a missed opportunity to have a strong and inspiring mascot that can rally the crowd. Overall, I believe that Western Illinois should reconsider its mascot choice and opt for something more engaging and iconic.

Creating a Memorable Western Illinois Mascot Costume