Arizona Wildcats History of the Mascots
The Arizona Wildcats football program boasts two iconic mascots, Wilbur and Wilma Wildcat, but their journey began with a very real bobcat named Rufus Arizona. Let's rewind a bit and explore the fascinating origin story:
The Original Wildcat (1915):
In 1915, the freshman football team purchased a live bobcat for $9.41 from an army blacksmith. They named him Tom Easter, but the student body soon christened him "Rufus Arizona," after then-university president Rufus B. von KleinSmid.
Rufus became an instant campus celebrity, attending pep rallies, football games, and even leading cheers.
Sadly, Rufus's reign was short-lived. In 1916, while playfully performing acrobatics in a tree, he fell and died a tragic death.
Legacy Lives On (1916-1959):
Despite Rufus's passing, the bobcat mascot had become ingrained in the university's identity. Several successor bobcats took on the mantle, each named Rufus Arizona, carrying the legacy forward.
However, concerns about animal welfare and logistics eventually led to the decision to phase out live mascots.
Enter Wilbur and Wilma (1959-Present):
In 1959, two University of Arizona roommates, Richard Heller and John Paquette, created Wilbur, the costumed wildcat we know today. The head-to-toe fur costume, with an American flag patch and cartoonish features, was an immediate hit.
Wilbur evolved over time, with his design undergoing minor tweaks and his antics becoming more elaborate.
In 1986, Wilbur found his perfect partner, Wilma, completing the dynamic duo. They were even "married" on the field before a football game, solidifying their place as beloved teammates.
The Original Wildcat (1915):
In 1915, the freshman football team purchased a live bobcat for $9.41 from an army blacksmith. They named him Tom Easter, but the student body soon christened him "Rufus Arizona," after then-university president Rufus B. von KleinSmid.
Rufus became an instant campus celebrity, attending pep rallies, football games, and even leading cheers.
Sadly, Rufus's reign was short-lived. In 1916, while playfully performing acrobatics in a tree, he fell and died a tragic death.
Legacy Lives On (1916-1959):
Despite Rufus's passing, the bobcat mascot had become ingrained in the university's identity. Several successor bobcats took on the mantle, each named Rufus Arizona, carrying the legacy forward.
However, concerns about animal welfare and logistics eventually led to the decision to phase out live mascots.
Enter Wilbur and Wilma (1959-Present):
In 1959, two University of Arizona roommates, Richard Heller and John Paquette, created Wilbur, the costumed wildcat we know today. The head-to-toe fur costume, with an American flag patch and cartoonish features, was an immediate hit.
Wilbur evolved over time, with his design undergoing minor tweaks and his antics becoming more elaborate.
In 1986, Wilbur found his perfect partner, Wilma, completing the dynamic duo. They were even "married" on the field before a football game, solidifying their place as beloved teammates.
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