The Wolfpack mascot of NCSU is a well-known symbol associated with North Carolina State University. The Wolfpack mascot represents the university's athletic teams and is a source of pride for students, alumni, and fans alike. The Wolfpack mascot is a representation of the wolf, which is known for its strength, loyalty, and teamwork. These qualities are reflected in the university's athletic programs and the achievements of its student-athletes. The Wolfpack mascot can be seen at various sporting events, including football, basketball, and baseball games. The mascot energizes the crowd, leads cheers, and interacts with fans.
The mascot energizes the crowd, leads cheers, and interacts with fans. The presence of the Wolfpack mascot creates an exciting and spirited atmosphere for both the players on the field and the fans in the stands. Not only does the Wolfpack mascot symbolize the university's athletic programs, but it also represents the sense of community and camaraderie that is fostered at NCSU.
Mascot Mania: The Evolution of NC State's Mascot - Part II
Over the years, NC State has had a range of mascots, from children to robotic wolf-men. All of these changes have culminated in our current mascots, who have become staples at NC State sporting events and celebrations. For more information about mascot history at NC State, refer to part I of the “Mascot Mania” blog series .
Mr. and Ms. Wuf are recognizable figures in collegiate sports, but there was a period of time when other mascots reigned supreme. In 1946, a mechanical engineering student, Ira Helms, built and operated a mechanical wolf-man costume known on campus as “Hell” or “Wolf-Monster. ” The robot costume stood over seven feet tall with a chest that measured 10 feet around, and Helms created the costume with assistance from an instructor in the Mechanical Drawing Department. According to a Technician article , “it is believed that State College is the first school ever to have a robot (mechanical wolf) for a mascot.” However, Helms ran out of time to make the robot costume fully operational, so he wore the wolf costume at football games while another student walked behind him with a fake control box. The mascot lasted less than a year, and sadly, it was “laid to rest” in a funeral ceremony after the 1947 Gator Bowl. Different versions of the wolf mascot appeared in the following years, including an imposing figure featured in the 1948 Agromeck .
By the 1960s, the cheerleading team created one of the earliest iterations of the wolf mascot known at the time as “Mr. Wolf.” Mr. Wolf’s first known appearances date from the early 1960s, and his first costume was a wolf felt suit . The felt suit lasted from around 1963 to 1969, and by 1975, the look transitioned to this gray costume featuring a friendlier design and a white cap. Mr. Wolf wore this costume until the 1980s, after which the costume incorporated a white sailor hat with “NCSU” stitched on the brim.
In the 1980s, the mascot’s name officially changed from “Mr. Wolf” to “Mr. Wuf '' when a student, Scott Joseph, debuted a new costume made by his mother. Joseph’s mother began sewing the mascot’s name on the back of the jersey, and she didn’t have enough room to spell “Wolf,” so she shortened the name to “Wuf.” This spelling change became permanent after the 1982-1983 season, and the figure known as Mr. Wuf was born. The 1990s ushered in new changes to the Mr. Wuf costume, as a new cartoonish costume was adopted at this time. Between 2000 and 2003, Mr. Wuf’s suit was updated again before the creation of the current costume seen around campus today.
In the 1970s, the athletics administration and students decided that Mr. Wuf needed a companion. Following the passing of Title IX in 1972, Ms. Wuf was introduced alongside Mr. Wuf to represent women’s athletics at NC State. Over the years, Ms. Wuf would undergo numerous costume and clothing changes. Her first costume (pictured on the right) featured overalls, a head, and a tail. The original costume for Ms. Wuf was replaced by another costume between the 1983 and 1984 seasons when the mascot first switched to wearing a sleeveless dress. This costume changed between 1990 and 1991 to feature her signature halter dress and bow. In 1992, the head of the costume was changed to showcase an even friendlier expression, and this costume design would continue for years until it was eventually replaced in the early 2000s. Her signature bow and halter dress were a staple for years, along with a ring she received from her 1981 wedding to Mr. Wuf.
After the creation of Ms. Wuf, Chris Belton, the student portraying Mr. Wuf, argued that the name Mr. and Ms. Wuf was confusing since it implied that the duo was married. Consequently, members of the cheer squad insisted that NC State should conduct a marriage ceremony to unite the pair in "canis matrimonium” and promote school spirit. On February 28, 1981, the couple officially wed at Reynolds Coliseum in a ceremony held at halftime during a men’s basketball game against Wake Forest. Chancellor Joab L. Thomas escorted Ms. Wuf down the aisle while the Demon Deacon mascot officiated the wedding. There were also two wolf cubs at the wedding, but it is unclear whether they were a part of the wedding or were Mr. and Ms. Wuf’s children. The happy couple renewed their vows 30 years later in 2011 at Reynolds Coliseum, with the Demon Deacon again officiating, and Ms. Wuf received a new ring.
As NC State’s mascot pair, Mr. and Ms. Wuf have seen their fair share of strange events. In 1977, Mr. and Ms. Wuf were kidnapped for a March of Dimes fundraising event. NC State’s Circle K club abducted the mascot pair and subsequently posted a demand for their ransom in the Technician . The ransom note stated that in order to “ensure their [Mr. and Ms. Wuf’s] safe return for the ACC tournament, send a donation” to the Circle K club. A year later, Ms. Wuf’s head was stolen at a NC State club hockey game in Greensboro. The culprit, who was later identified as a UNC-Chapel Hill student, snuck up behind Ms. Wuf at the game. The student ripped the mascot’s head off and then fled into a waiting car. Thankfully, the student returned the mascot’s head to UNC cheerleaders out of fear of legal trouble, and the cheerleaders returned the head to NC State.
Despite many changes over the years, Mr. and Ms. Wuf are known today for their vibrant red costumes and friendly wolf faces, and they represent the Wolfpack at games, celebrations, and other important events. More recently, the iconic duo was voted the nation’s top mascot , and they continue to represent excellence in the NC State community and beyond.
To learn more about mascots and other symbols of the University, check out the Libraries' NC State Mascots, Colors, Team Names, and Symbols Timeline . You can also browse additional images of the mascot in our Rare and Unique Digital Collections . If you are interested in following the adventures of Mr. and Ms. Wuf, their official accounts are @mr.wuf and @ms.wuf on Instagram.
If you have any questions or are interested in viewing Special Collections materials, please contact us at [email protected] or submit a request online . The Special Collections Research Center is open by appointment only . Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm and Saturday, 1pm–5pm. Requests for a Saturday appointment must be received no later than Tuesday of the same week.
The Wolfpack mascot embodies the spirit of unity and support that can be found among students, faculty, and alumni. In addition to its role at sporting events, the Wolfpack mascot also engages in community outreach and philanthropic activities. The mascot's involvement in these initiatives helps to promote the values of service and giving back that are important to NCSU. Overall, the Wolfpack mascot of NCSU plays a significant role in representing the university's athletics, fostering a sense of community, and promoting the values of strength, loyalty, and teamwork. The mascot is a beloved symbol that embodies the spirit and pride of NCSU..
Reviews for "The Wolfpack Mascot's Importance in NCSU's Athletic Recruitment"
1. Patricia - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the wolfpack mascot of NCSU. The costume looked cheap and poorly made. The colors were also dull and didn't accurately represent the school spirit. Additionally, the person inside the costume seemed disinterested and lacked energy, making the whole performance lackluster. Overall, it was a letdown and I expected more from such a renowned university.
2. Nick - 1/5 - The wolfpack mascot of NCSU was a complete disaster. The costume was outdated and looked like it hadn't been properly cleaned in years. The person inside the mascot was unfriendly and seemed to be going through the motions without any enthusiasm. It was clear that they didn't put in any effort to engage with the crowd or create an exciting atmosphere. Overall, it was a big letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining mascot experience.
3. Michelle - 2/5 - I was not impressed with the wolfpack mascot of NCSU. The costume design was lackluster and didn't capture the spirit of the university. It looked more like a random wolf costume you could find at a party store rather than a representation of school pride. Additionally, the performance from the person inside the mascot was underwhelming. They lacked energy and didn't interact with the crowd, making the whole experience forgettable. I expected more from a university with such a rich sports culture.
4. Justin - 1/5 - The wolfpack mascot of NCSU was a major disappointment. The costume looked dated and poorly maintained. The person inside the mascot seemed disinterested and didn't put in any effort to engage with the audience. It was a lackluster performance that didn't reflect the school spirit or create any excitement. I had higher expectations for the mascot of a university known for its sports teams, and unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect.