College Sports Established
1962
Location
Ogden, Utah
College Name
Weber State University
Collegiate History
1978 - Present / NCAA Division I–AA / FCS
1973 - 1977 / NCAA Division II
1962 - 1972 / NCAA College Division
Conference History
1963 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1962 / Independent
Nickname
Wildcats - The Weber State Wildcats are a well-known Division I college basketball team in the Big Sky Conference. Their iconic black and orange colors have become one of the most recognizable teams in all college sports. But where did this unique nickname come from? Let’s take a look at some possible origins for this beloved moniker!
First, it is believed that “Wildcats” was chosen as an homage to Weber State University's original mascot - The Wildcatters. This name was given to students who attended WSU during its early years (1891-1917). It is thought that when WSU became known as Weber College in 1917, administrators decided to keep the Wildcatters name and eventually changed it simply to "Wildcats."
Another potential origin story lies with former football coach John Smithson who served between 1947 and 1955. During his tenure, he led his players to victory with chants such as “Fight like wild cats!" His enthusiasm may have inspired university officials to look for a new nickname at that time – thus leading them away from their previous moniker, "Owls," which had been used since 1927 up until then.
Finally, there could be another explanation behind why school officials chose this particular animal in 1961 when they officially adopted “Wildcats” as their official mascot: prideful tradition within Utah itself! After all, many Native American tribes across what would later become Utah referred to themselves by names meaning wild cat or mountain lion – such examples being Ute Tribe (meaning Mountain People) or Paiute Tribe (which translates into Snow People). So perhaps choosing something so closely associated with local heritage made perfect sense for athletic department representatives looking to create excitement and honor indigenous culture too!
Whatever its true origin might be, though - one thing remains certain; The Weber State Wildcats will always remain synonymous with a hard work ethic & passionate spirit on display each season, no matter how far they go on tourney bracket sheets every March Madness... Go Cats!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1910
- 1980
- 1999
- 2012
- 2021
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Weber State fielded its first football team
The first football team at Weber State was organized in 1902, consisting of a group of students who played informally against other local teams. Football continued to be played informally at Weber State throughout the early 1900s, with various groups of students forming teams and playing against other schools and clubs. In 1910, Weber State officially recognized football as a ... -
Weber State men’s basketball team makes its first appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament
Weber State men’s basketball and their first appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament in 1980: The 1979-1980 Weber State men’s basketball team was coached by Neil McCarthy, who had been hired the previous year. The team finished the regular season with a record of 19-8, which was good enough to earn them a spot in the NCAA Division I ... -
Wildcats football team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In 1999: The Wildcats football team wins the Big Sky Conference championship and advances to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. -
Damian Lillard – Player of the Year
Weber State has had several notable players throughout its history, but one of the most famous is Damian Lillard. Lillard played for Weber State from 2008 to 2012 and was a consensus All-American in his senior season. During his time at Weber State, Lillard set numerous school and conference records, including becoming the first player in Big Sky Conference history ... -
2Weber State men’s basketball team wins its fifth Big Sky Conference
The 2020-2021 Weber State men’s basketball team was coached by Randy Rahe, who has been at the helm of the program since 2006. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team was able to play a full season and finished with a record of 17-6 overall and 12-3 in conference play. Weber State entered the Big Sky Conference ...
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History of the Wildcats
The history of athletics at Weber State dates back to 1889, when students competed informally in various activities such as basketball and track & field. 1911 the formal intercollegiate competition began, with men's baseball teams competing against other local schools. By 1915-16 there were nine sports offered, including football, basketball (men's & women’s), tennis (men's & women’s), and track & field (men's only).
Over time more sports were added, including golf (1925), cross-country running(1929), volleyball(1970), soccer(1972) softball(1976). Wrestling was added later but dropped after 2000 due to budget cuts before being reinstated by the 2012-13 season.
Since joining Division, I play during the 1991-92 academic year, the Wildcats have made seven appearances in NCAA tournaments across multiple Division I programs. They most recently reached March Madness for men s Basketball tournament twice, the first appearance coming during the 2003 – 04 season, where they lost the second-round game against Duke. Other notable accomplishments include reaching Sweet Sixteen thrice between 1995 -96 and 1997– 98 seasons, plus winning regular season titles four times from 2002–03 through 2005 – 06 campaigns.
Today, Weber State fields 14 varsity teams comprising 8 male programs: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track / Cross Country; And 6 female ones: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis Volleyball. We wish them the best of luck going forward!
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