The UNH Wildcat mascot is an integral part of the University of New Hampshire's athletic culture. The mascot represents the spirit and pride of the school's sports teams, particularly the university's football, hockey, and basketball programs. The UNH Wildcat mascot is often seen at sporting events, including home games as well as away games. The Wildcat serves as a source of entertainment and enthusiasm, engaging with the crowd and creating a vibrant atmosphere. It is not uncommon to see the mascot performing various antics and engaging in playful interactions with fans during breaks in the game. The Wildcat mascot is an embodiment of pride for the university and its team.

UNH Mascots

For several weeks, lively debates were conducted through The New Hampshire, the student newspaper, on the merits of the contenders for the official UNH mascot. Entrants included the Durham Bulls (a named already used by the local press for the varsity hockey team), huskies, eagles, and even a unicorn.

When the votes were tallied on February 4, 1926, the majority of students believed that the speed, litheness, cunning, and resourcefulness of the wildcat were attributes found in UNH athletic teams. In practical New Hampshire, some may have been persuaded that a wildcat could be "more easily transported from place to place than a bull."

Once the Wildcat was chosen as the mascot for UNH, its likeness began to appear on athletic uniforms, posters and publications. The face of a snarling wildcat appeared first on the warm-up jacket of the 1929 baseball team. In 1939, the varsity hockey team added the cat logo to their team jersey.

The Wildcat mascot is an embodiment of pride for the university and its team. Fans rally behind the mascot, feeling a sense of school spirit and unity when they see the Wildcat in action. The mascot adds another layer of excitement and fun to the game day experience for both students and alumni.

Evolution of the Wildcat Logo

The Wildcat Sculpture
Lisa Nugent, UNH Photographic Services

The Wildcat sculpture is a bronze statue located on the street side of Memorial Field. It was unveiled during the 2006 Homecoming Weekend.

It is the first piece of commissioned artwork on the UNH campus. The $160,000 project was funded entirely with private gifts, including support from the Edward '42H and Selma '42 Bacon Simon Fund, many alumni donors, the Alumni Association, and the UNH Parents Association.

The Artist

The sculpture was created by Matthew Gray Palmer, of Friday Harbor, Washington. Chosen by a committee of UNH staff and faculty, alumni, and parents, as well as professional artists, Palmer was among 40 artists who submitted proposals for the project.

Palmer, who specializes in large public works of art, hopes his 850-pound creation will not only touch people, but be touched by them, literally. "The public work I do gets an artistic expression out where people can touch it, feel the patterns, put their arms around it."

Wildcat Cheer

Cheer leader: Give me a "W"!
Crowd: "W"!
Cheer leader: Give me an "I"!
Crowd: "I"
(and so on throughout the letters of the word WILDCATS)
Cheer leader: What have you got?
All: "WILDCATS"!!

Real Bad Wildcat

I'm just a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, the coolest cat you ever saw.
I'm just a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, I'll fight 'em one and all.
Let me at your big ones, let me at your small, bring along your heavies and
We'll really have a ball.
For I'm a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, the coolest cat you ever saw.
Dig the crazy huskies, dig the crazy bears, dig the crazy rambling rams,
Catamounts I swallow, Redmen I eat whole, but when that pigskin's
In the air, I really rock and roll.
I'm just a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, the coolest cat you ever saw.
I'm just a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, I'll fight 'em one and all.
Let me at your big ones, let me at your small, bring along your heavies and
We'll really have a ball.
I'm just a real bad, a real bad Wildcat, the coolest cat you ever saw.

Go Cats Go

Go, go, go Cats!
Fight, fight, fight Cats!
Go Cats, fight Cats!
WILDCATS FIGHT!!

Wildcat Locomotive

W-I-L-D-C-A-T-S rah, rah, rah
W-I-L-D-C-A-T-S rah, rah, rah
W-I-L-D-C-A-T-S rah, rah, rah
TEAM, TEAM, TEAM!

I Am a Wildcat

I am a Wildcat, you are one too.
I am the best one
Because I'm bigger than you.
My bite is bigger.
Your teeth are strong.
Don't fight me Wildcat,
And we'll get along.

Freshman Orientation Handbook, 1951

In addition to its presence at sporting events, the UNH Wildcat mascot also plays a role in campus events and traditions. From pep rallies to parades, the Wildcat is often seen engaging with the community and representing the university as a whole. The mascot often participates in fundraisers, charity events, and other community outreach programs, further demonstrating the institution's dedication to its surrounding community. The UNH Wildcat mascot holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and fans. It symbolizes the pride, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that the university strives to instill in its students and community members. The presence of the Wildcat mascot ignites school spirit, creates a sense of unity, and fosters a positive and passionate environment at sporting events and beyond..

Reviews for "The UNH Wildcat Mascot: A Friend to Fans of All Ages"

1. Mark - 2 stars - I am not a fan of the UNH wildcat mascot. I find it to be quite unimpressive and boring. The costume looks cheaply made and doesn't match the energy and excitement of other mascots I've seen. It is also not very memorable or unique. Overall, I would say that the wildcat mascot falls short in terms of creativity and representation of the UNH spirit.

2. Sarah - 1 star - The UNH wildcat mascot is just plain disappointing. It lacks any originality or charm. The costume looks outdated and unappealing. I don't understand why they couldn't come up with something more exciting or engaging. It feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the school's pride and enthusiasm. I would not recommend the wildcat mascot to anyone looking for a memorable mascot experience.

3. Michael - 2 stars - As an alumni of UNH, I have to say that I am not a fan of the wildcat mascot. It simply does not capture the spirit and energy of the university. The costume looks tired and worn out, and the portrayal lacks enthusiasm. I think UNH could definitely do better in terms of creating a mascot that truly represents the school's values and pride. Overall, I find the wildcat mascot to be lackluster and unimpressive.

4. Emily - 2 stars - I find the UNH wildcat mascot to be underwhelming. The costume design lacks creativity and the overall execution is lacking in energy. It feels generic and doesn't inspire the same level of excitement that other mascots do. I believe a university mascot should be able to generate enthusiasm and rally support, but the wildcat mascot simply falls short in this regard. I would love to see UNH invest in a more engaging and spirited mascot in the future.

5. Jason - 1 star - The UNH wildcat mascot is a complete letdown. It looks outdated and doesn't capture the essence of what it means to be a wildcat. The costume design is lackluster and doesn't make a lasting impression. I believe UNH can do so much better and create a mascot that truly represents the university's pride, energy, and spirit. The wildcat mascot is a missed opportunity for UNH to showcase its unique identity.

The Making of a Mascot: How the UNH Wildcat Symbol Came to Life