Willie the Wildcat
Contents
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
['wihl ee / thə / 'wild kat]
Description
Willie the Wildcat is the official mascot of the Northwestern University Wildcats athletics teams. Members of the Northwestern community often refer to him as Willie.
History and Origins
Northwestern University's first mascot was a bear cub named Furpaw who was brought to the campus in 1923 from the Lincoln Park Zoo. After an unsuccessful season, fans rejected Furpaw as their mascot. The term "Wildcats" started in 1924 as one news reporter for the Chicago Tribune referred to Northwestern football players as "Wildcats that had come down from Evanston".
The first image of Willie the Wildcat was created in 1933 by the Northwestern Athletic Department and an advertising firm. Members of the Alpha Delta fraternity dressed up as Willie the Wildcat for the first time in 1947.[1]
Today, Willie the Wildcat makes an appearance at many Northwestern sports events [2] and often cheers alongside the Northwestern University Marching Band (NUMB).
Why It's Wild
Willie the Wildcat is the official, and unique, mascot of Northwestern University. He makes an appearance at most home and some away athletic events to cheer on the 'Cats and pump up the crowd.
Usage
The mascot is often referred to as Willie the Wildcat, or simply, Willie.
Example Sentences
- I want to try to get a selfie with Willie.
- Willie the Wildcat is such a spirited mascot.
