Since 1933, Willie the Wildcat has come a long way. Willie has not always been the friendly-looking Wildcat that exists today. Willie started out as fierce wildcat with sharp teeth <ref>[https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2014/campuslife/then-the-evolution-of-willie.html], Northwestern Magazine.</ref> The costume has not always been the full-body suit that exists today. The costume was once a "chicken wire with faded purple velvet on top of a football helmet" recalls Robert Forrest '71 <ref>[https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2014/campuslife/then-the-evolution-of-willie.html], Northwestern Magazine.</ref> | Since 1933, Willie the Wildcat has come a long way. Willie has not always been the friendly-looking Wildcat that exists today. Willie started out as fierce wildcat with sharp teeth <ref>[https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2014/campuslife/then-the-evolution-of-willie.html], Northwestern Magazine.</ref> The costume has not always been the full-body suit that exists today. The costume was once a "chicken wire with faded purple velvet on top of a football helmet" recalls Robert Forrest '71 <ref>[https://www.northwestern.edu/magazine/fall2014/campuslife/then-the-evolution-of-willie.html], Northwestern Magazine.</ref> |