The
first caricature of Willie the Wildcat was drawn in 1933 when the
Northwestern athletic department got together with an advertising firm.
This was nine years after the nickname "Wildcats" was initiated. The
first time Willie came to life as the Northwestern mascot was in 1947.
This was not at an athletic event, however, but at a parade when four
members of the Alpha Delta fraternity dressed up as Willie on their
Homecoming float.
How To Become Willie
To be eligible for a position on the Northwestern Mascot Team, you must: ~Already be accepted to the university ~Bring a copy of your current insurance card to the tryouts ~Bring proof of a physical administered within a year to the tryouts ~Fill out three medical release forms (links given on their website)
Information About Northwestern University:
Location: Evanston, Illinois Enrollment: 8,000 (undergraduates) Founded: 1851 Nickname: Wildcats Colors: Purple and White President: Morton Schapiro Athletic Director: Jim Philips Joined Big Ten: 1896 (charter member)