Wilkie the wildcat mascot is the beloved symbol of the University of Arizona. He is a charismatic and energetic character that ignites spirit and pride in students, alumni, and fans alike. Wilkie's appearance is instantly recognizable with his majestic stance, fierce gaze, and trademark blue and red ensemble. As the university's mascot, Wilkie attends various sporting events, including football, basketball, and baseball games. His presence adds an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the atmosphere, as he interacts with fans, leads cheers, and performs impressive dance moves. Wilkie's vibrant personality and contagious energy have made him a fan-favorite and a source of inspiration for the university community.
The Wabash Cannonball: With a history like no other, and a firm grasp on tradition, the Wabash Cannonball may be known as a second fight song to the K-State contingent. Composed in 1933 as a folk ballad saluting the nation's rail-riding hobos, Wabash Cannonball was first performed for an athletic event at K-State on December 16, 1968. Wabash was the only selection in the band's repertoire that evening for a home basketball game at Ahearn Fieldhouse. Just three nights prior, arsonists had set fire to Nichols Hall, at that time the home of the Music Department, destroying all of the departments assets including the sheet music. The band director at that time, Phil Hewett, the band director at the time, just happened to have taken one copy of Wabash home from the library that night to work on the arrangement; thus making it the only selection to survive the fire. Since then the Wabash Cannonball has come to represent the survival of the underdog in the hearts and minds of all true K-State fans, and has earned a secure place in the KSUMB's history and traditions.
Composed in 1933 as a folk ballad saluting the nation s rail-riding hobos, Wabash Cannonball was first performed for an athletic event at K-State on December 16, 1968. The Wabash Cannonball With a history like no other, and a firm grasp on tradition, the Wabash Cannonball may be known as a second fight song to the K-State contingent.
Wilkie's vibrant personality and contagious energy have made him a fan-favorite and a source of inspiration for the university community. Wilkie's origin dates back to 1959 when the university's athletic director, Darryl K. Royal, famously said, "Better be the wildest Wildcats in the nation, crazier than any Bobcat.
Top 5 reasons we think Willie the Wildcat is the best mascot
So maybe we’re a little biased, but we think Willie the Wildcat is the best college mascot around! Here are the top 5 reasons Willie fills us with purple pride.
1. He’s a cool ’Cat with a rich history
Did you know that the Willie the Wildcat tradition started all the way back in 1947? Adrea Simmons Andersen ’56 played K-State’s first mascot at the September 1947 football game against Oklahoma A&M. She wore a red-brown wildcat costume with black stripes and a tail — certainly very different from Willie’s current look!
2. It’s just not game day without him
Can you imagine a game day at Bill Snyder Family Stadium without Willie the Wildcat? We can’t, either. He helps us all get hyped before kick off, and we cheer for his post-touchdown pushups. He also leads us in every K-S-U cheer.
3. Kids love him
Whether he’s giving out high-fives on game day or waving to his fans along the route of the annual Homecoming parade, Willie the Wildcat brings joy to little K-Staters (and K-Staters who are still kids at heart).
4. He’s got a secret identity
Like Clark Kent as Superman or Peter Parker as Spider-Man, no one knows the identity of the person behind the mask at Willie the Wildcat’s public appearances. Does that basically make Willie the Wildcat a superhero too?
5. He’s a great ambassador for K-State
As soon as you spot Willie the Wildcat, you immediately think of Kansas State University, and a sense of fun, family and, of course, the color purple. Wherever Willie goes, he brings that K-State spirit with him.
Did you know.
Willie the Wildcat or Willie Wildcat?
Although you may have heard K-State's mascot referenced both ways, according to the university's Official Style Guide, "Willie the Wildcat" is the preferred name of our beloved mascot.
" Inspired by this remark, Wilkie was born and became the embodiment of the university's wildcat spirit. Throughout the years, Wilkie has become a cherished tradition. He attends home games and travels with the teams for away games, boosting morale and engaging with supporters. Wilkie is often seen leading the cheer squad, hyping up the crowd, and rallying the team to victory. Additionally, Wilkie plays a significant role in the community. He participates in charity events, visits local schools, and makes appearances at parades and festivals. Wilkie's presence extends beyond the university campus, spreading school pride and positivity throughout the state of Arizona. Being the university's mascot is not an easy task. It requires physical stamina, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of the university's values and traditions. The person behind the Wilkie costume must have excellent coordination, as the mascot's movements are often agile and precise. Overall, Wilkie the wildcat mascot represents the University of Arizona's passion, unity, and sportsmanship. He embodies the spirit of the institution and serves as a symbol of pride and camaraderie. Whether leading a cheer or engaging with fans, Wilkie brings joy and excitement to every event he attends. With his captivating and spirited presence, Wilkie has undoubtedly become an iconic figure in the university's history, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Wildcats..
Reviews for "Wilkie Fever: The Phenomenon That Swept the Nation"
1. Amanda - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wilkie the wildcat mascot". The character design was dull and uninteresting, lacking any real personality. The writing was also lacking, with the dialogue feeling forced and unnatural. Overall, I found the book to be quite boring and didn't engage me or my child.
2. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Wilkie the wildcat mascot". The story was incredibly predictable, following a formulaic and unoriginal plot. The illustrations were also lacking any real depth or detail, making the whole reading experience quite unenjoyable. I cannot recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
3. Harper - 2 stars - I found "Wilkie the wildcat mascot" to be quite underwhelming. The story was cliché and lacked any real depth or originality. The character development was minimal, making it hard for me to connect or care about the protagonist. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time reading this book.
4. Ethan - 1 star - "Wilkie the wildcat mascot" was a complete letdown. The writing style was choppy and lacked coherence. The plot was uninteresting and didn't hold my attention. The book seemed rushed and poorly edited, with numerous grammatical errors throughout. I would not recommend this book to anyone.