The Story of WuShock: A History of Wichita State University's Mascot
Wichita State University (WSU), a public research university governed by the Kansas Board of Regents, boasts a rich history dating back to 1886. While the university offers diverse academic programs, its athletic teams, known as the Shockers, hold a special place in the institution's identity. The mascot, WuShock, embodies the spirit and heritage of WSU.
From Fairmount College to the Shockers
The story begins with Fairmount College, envisioned as the "Vassar of the West," which opened collegiate classes for men and women in 1895. Amid financial struggles, it transitioned into the Municipal University of Wichita in 1926. The university's athletic teams needed a fitting moniker reflecting its regional identity.
The name "Shockers" reflects the university's heritage: Early students earned money by shocking, or harvesting, wheat in nearby fields. Early football games were even played on a stubbled wheat field. Pep club members were known as Wheaties. Tradition has it that in 1904, football manager and student R.J. Kirk came up with the nickname Wheatshockers. Although the Wheatshockers name was never officially adopted by the university, it caught on and survived until it was later shortened to Shockers.
The Birth of WuShock
Until 1948, the university used a nameless shock of wheat as its symbol. WuShock came to life when junior Wilbur Elsea won the Kappa Pi honorary society's competition to design a mascot typifying the spirit of the school. The October 7, 1948, issue of The Sunflower, the student newspaper, ran an advertisement urging students to submit names for the school's new mascot.
Elsea, a Marine during World War II, envisioned "a mascot who gave a tough impression, with a serious, no-nonsense scowl." His design was adopted, and WuShock was born. Dave Johnson, a WU cheerleader, is credited with bringing WuShock to life as a costume in 1954, with the help of the art department.
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WuShock's Evolution Through the Years
WuShock, also referred to as "Wu," marked his 50th birthday in 1998 by undergoing a redesign and getting a pumped-up physique and revved-up attitude. The mascot's costume has changed over the years, as well. With the redesign, a new costume was introduced in fall 1998. In fall 1999, the head of the new costume underwent another redesign after a number of supporters suggested the mascot needed a more intimidating look. In 2006 it was decided to once again update the Wu costume. The general consensus was that many wanted the costume to more accurately reflect the depiction of WU in the school's logo. The new WuShock now has the ability to run, jump, and walk up stairs without help.
Vintage WuShock logos, from as far back as the 1950s, are enjoying a comeback. WuShock’s look, no matter the era, is distinctive. Wichita State University’s mascot, created in 1948 by junior Wilbur Elsea, evolved over decades into today’s modern design.
Athletics at Wichita State
The Wichita State Shockers compete in the NCAA Division I ranks, primarily in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) since the 2017-18 academic year. WSU competes in 16 intercollegiate athletic sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis and track & field (indoor and outdoor); while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.
The men's basketball team has played in the NCAA tournament 16 times since 1954, advancing to the Final Four in 1965 and 2013, the Elite Eight in 1981, and the Sweet Sixteen in 2006 and 2015, and also entering the 2014 NCAA tournament unbeaten. The team also won the 2011 National Invitation Tournament Championship, beating the Alabama Crimson Tide. The men's baseball team is college baseball's highest winning team for the past 31 years, with numerous conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. The men's and women's bowling teams have won 23 combined USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, including the men's 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2010 title and the women's 2005, 2007 and 2009 title.
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