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Kansas State Wildcats Nickname, Mascot and Traditions

Discover the Stories Behind K-State’s Nickname, Willie the Wildcat Mascot, Gameday Traditions and More

Kansas State Nickname: Wildcats

Kansas State has certainly seen its fair share of nickname changes throughout its athletic history. It all began with the “Aggies,” which lasted for the first 19 seasons of competition. However, when new coach John “Chief” Bender came aboard in 1915, he decided to change things up and gave his squad the name “Wildcats.” While this nickname only lasted for one season, it would come back into play down the road. In 1917, the team became known as the “Farmers,” but by 1920, another new coach, Charles Bachman, took over and decided to reignite the “Wildcats” name. This time, the moniker stuck, and Kansas State has proudly worn it ever since. The ever-changing world of sports is no match for K-State’s beloved feline nickname.

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K-State Mascot: Willie the Wildcat

Kansas State University’s mascot is a vital part of its representation across campus, at events, and on game days. As the university has progressed over the years, so has its mascot. We’re going to take a look at the evolution of K-State’s beloved mascot Willie and how he got to look the way he does today.

K State Created a “Spark” in the 1940s

The first costumed Willie mascot appeared in 1947. The original Willie was called “Sparky,” and she was played by a Manhattan High student, Andrea Simmons Andersen. Her debut was during the half-time show at a football game against Oklahoma A&M. Simmons wore a red-brown wildcat costume with black stripes and a tail and showed off her gymnastic skills to the crowd. However, K-State’s lack of winning games resulted in the fans replacing the young girl with a college student. Interestingly, she was the only female to be a K-State mascot.

In the 1960s, Fraternity members took responsibility for wearing the Willie Wildcat costume and cheering at games. The original K-State Willie costume, which debuted in 1964, was purple in color with large ears that somewhat resembled Mickey Mouse.

A new “meaner-looking” Willie head with coyote and wolf hair was created by a sculptor named Jim Hagan and used from 1967-1980. This Willie was the face of K-State until 1980. After three years of the same Willie head, K-State upgraded the mascot with a second head that had been created by Hagan in 1967. This use of two heads would last for the next 13 years, until a new and “beefed-up” Willie began hovering the sidelines in 1985.

Wildcat Gameday Traditions

K-State First Downs

A game day tradition that K-State claims to have originated is one that fans coast to coast love to scream out when their team makes a first down. Those who have ever shouted, “First down!”, when the referee makes the signal, perhaps owe this joyful moment to a group of purple-clad fans.

This is how it’s done Wildcat style. After the team makes a first down, K-State’s stadium announcer, Ivan Wilkinson says, “Good for another Wildcat … ” and the rest of the Wildcat fans yell “first down” while pointing in the direction their beloved team is headed.

Singing This Song is a MUST!

For K-State fans, the Wabash Cannonball is more than just a song. It’s a symbol of resilience and tradition. Composed as a tribute to America’s hobos, the Cannonball found a new home in the heart of the Wildcat faithful in 1968. That year, the Music Department was devastated by a fire that destroyed all of their sheet music – except for one copy of the Wabash Cannonball. The song’s survival became a powerful metaphor for the enduring spirit of K-State, and it quickly became a beloved tradition. For generations of fans, the Cannonball is more than just a second fight song – it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and community.