The Evolution of the Weber State University Logo and Wildcats Athletics
Weber State University, located in Ogden, Utah, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1889 as the Weber Stake Academy. Over the years, the institution has undergone several transformations, reflected not only in its name but also in its athletic identity and logo. Today, the Weber State Wildcats represent the university's 16 men's and women's teams, competing in NCAA Division I athletics.
From Academy to University: A Historical Overview
The journey of Weber State from its humble beginnings to a prominent university is marked by significant milestones. The institution's history can be traced through its various name changes, each reflecting its evolving role and scope.
- 1889: Weber Stake Academy - Affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- 1908: Weber Academy
- 1918: Weber Normal College
- 1922: Weber College
- 1933: Became a state junior college.
- 1935: The Church transferred the institution to the State of Utah.
- 1963: Weber State College
- 1964: Awarded its first baccalaureate degree.
- 1991: Weber State University - Gained university status.
These changes reflect the institution's growth and commitment to providing higher education to the region. The athletic program evolved alongside the academic institution, ultimately becoming a vital part of the Weber State experience.
The Wildcat Mascot: A Symbol of Aggression
The Weber State Wildcats are the varsity athletic teams representing Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, sponsoring 16 teams. The mascot has evolved over the years and is now represented in a logo used to represent the aggressive spirit of our intercollegiate sports teams, both men's and women's.
The origin of the "Wildcats" nickname is an interesting story. WSU Athletic Hall of Fame football player Wallace F. (Wally) Morris, who played for Coach Merlon Stevenson in the 1920s, told his children that one day during a tough, hard practice, one of the other players said he played like a pussycat. Bobcats, or bob-tailed cats, were sometimes called Wildcats. The short-tailed cats from the lynx family are native to the Wasatch Mountains and drew fur trappers to the area before the Mormon pioneers arrived. Weber College President Aaron Tracy was opposed to the name. Tracy was a man of high morals, and records indicate he didn't think the students should be likened to a bunch of Wildcats. He thought the name was demeaning. For many years, the students kept a live Wildcat to display at football games.
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The Evolution of the Weber State Wildcats Logo
The Weber State Wildcats logo has undergone several transformations over the years, each reflecting the changing aesthetics and branding strategies of the university. These logos, while different, all aim to capture the spirit of the Wildcat.
1965 - 1973: The logo used by the athletic program in the 1960s featured a caricature of a friendly and fluffy wild cat walking in a long-sleeve jersey with the enlarged capital “W” on it. The drawing was executed whether in a monochrome or purple and white color palette, with the cat as the only element in the badge.
1973 - 1996: The redesign of 1973 introduced a completely different, very minimalistic, and modern version of the Wildcats logo. The initial emblem of Weber State Wildcats featured a bright purple and white crest with an enlarged wild cat image on it and purple lettering set above its upper border. The sharp lines of the image were balanced by the claws and fangs of the animal, which was drawn in solid white with triangular purple accents. As for the wordmark, it was set in the uppercase of a strict bold serif typeface with the upper border slightly arched up.
2012 - Present: On the current version, the cat’s head is depicted in light gray with darker trim and white details.
The current logo prominently features the head of a Wildcat, emphasizing its fierce and competitive nature. The color palette, including light gray, darker trim, and white details, creates a modern and visually appealing design.
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Athletics at Weber State: A Tradition of Excellence
The Weber State Wildcats have a strong tradition of athletic excellence, particularly in men's basketball.
- Football: The football team plays in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Under the leadership of new head coach Ron McBride, former head coach of the University of Utah, the team experienced success. In the 2008 season, the 'Cats finished 7-1 in conference, the best single-season record in school history, and 10-4 overall, losing in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Playoff Quarterfinals.
- Men's Basketball: Weber State's men's basketball team (1,004-572) has long been a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference. The WSU Men's basketball team has the 24th highest winning percentage in NCAA Division I history. In 2005, Street and Smith magazine compiled a list of the greatest basketball programs in college basketball history, WSU made #51. The men's basketball team won its 18th overall Big Sky Conference championship in 2009.
- Softball: Weber State's softball team has appeared in the NCAA Division I softball tournament five times, in 1973, 1974, 1975, 2019 and 2025.
Read also: WSU Football History
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