The Kansas State Wildcats have built a proud tradition of excellence across college sports. Known for their passionate fans and rich history, the program highlights success in both Kansas State University Wildcats football and Kansas State Wildcats basketball. From championship wins to standout athletes, Kansas State continues to shape NCAA competition with its competitive spirit and achievements.
College Sports Established
1913
Location
Manhattan, Kansas
College Name
Kansas State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1913 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1996 – Present / Big 12 Conference
1957 – 1996 / Big Eight Conference
1927 – 1957 / Missouri Valley Conference
1913 – 1927 / Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Nickname
Wildcats - The Kansas State Wildcats have been a staple of college athletics since their inception in 1896. As one of the oldest teams in NCAA Division I, they’ve earned plenty of respect and admiration. But many people don’t know that there is an interesting story behind their beloved nickname: The Wildcats.
Kansas State Wildcats Origin
The name was first suggested by former student-body president George Warkentin during a rally for K-State's football team in 1912 when he said, “We will show them we have a wildcat on our hands!” His words were met with thunderous applause from fans who immediately embraced the new moniker, which has stuck ever since.
Though some may think this nickname was inspired by actual wildcats found around Manhattan, Kansas, where K-State resides, it originates from early 20th-century slang used to describe someone as harsh or scrappy – much like how today we might say, “he fights like a tiger!” This term eventually became associated with athletes at smaller schools who had to fight hard against bigger opponents to stay competitive - which has become synonymous with K-State over its long history.
Today, The Wildcats are still fighting hard every season and proudly represent their school and state across America through sportsmanship & determination - continuing the legacy established so many years ago when George Warkentin shouted those fateful words, "We will show them we have a Wildcat on our hands!"
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1988
- 1998
- 2007
- 2013
- 2019
- 2023
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K-State Mitch Richmond 1988
One of the most recognizable players in Kansas State history, Mitch Richmond was a two-year letterman for head coach Lon Kruger from 1986–88. He helped guide the Wildcats to a 45–20 (.692) record, including a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the 1988 NCAA Midwest Regional Final. His 1,327 points are the most by a player in ... -
Wildcats Martin Gramatica 1998
Gramática played at Kansas State from 1994 to 1998. During his four college seasons, he made 54 out of 70 field goals and 187 of 192 point-after-touchdown attempts, gaining a school record of 349 points in four seasons. He set the single-season school record with 135 points and the longest field goal kicked from 65 yards. Those achievements earned him ... -
Women’s Basketball Big 12 Victory
In 2007: The women’s basketball team repeats as Big 12 champions and makes its 11th appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to Michigan State in the regional semifinals2. Kendra Wecker is named the Big 12 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. -
men’s basketball team wins Big 12 championship
In 2013: The men’s basketball team wins its second Big 12 championship and makes its seventh appearance in the NCAA tournament. -
Big 12 Title for K-State
In 2019: Seniors Shine in Final Home Game to Clinch Big 12 Title for K-State Seniors combine for 45 of the WIldcats’ 68 points in finale. The seniors combined to score 45 of the 68 points to go with 14 of the 15 assists in their final game at Bramlage Coliseum, as Stokes scored a game-high 19 points on 7-of-15 ... -
K-State football wins Big 12 Conference Championship
In 2023: The Kansas State Wildcats are the new Big 12 Conference champions after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 31-28 at AT&T Stadium. The two teams fought all four quarters, with TCU making a two-point conversion to tie K-State with less than two minutes in the fourth quarter. The Horned Frogs won the coin toss but failed to score after ...
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Kansas State Wildcats History
The Kansas State Wildcats have a long and proud history in NCAA sports, with a strong reputation in both Kansas State University Wildcats football and Kansas State Wildcats basketball. Fierce rivalries, especially with the Kansas Jayhawks, have defined much of this tradition. Since the early days of collegiate athletics, Kansas State has stood out for producing competitive teams and passionate fans across multiple sports.
The Kansas State University Wildcats football program began in 1896 and gradually built its identity as one of the most resilient programs in college football. Under legendary head coach Bill Snyder, who first took over in 1989, the Wildcats experienced a dramatic turnaround. Snyder led the program to 11 straight winning seasons between 1993 and 2003, including multiple bowl game victories. Kansas State captured four Big 12 North Division titles and the 2003 Big 12 Championship, defeating Oklahoma in one of the program’s biggest wins. The team has also appeared in prestigious bowls such as the Fiesta Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Alamo Bowl, cementing its national relevance.
Success on the hardwood has been just as notable. The Kansas State Wildcats basketball program has been a cornerstone of Big 12 competition for decades. The Wildcats have reached the NCAA Final Four multiple times, highlighted by their appearances in 1948, 1951, 1958, and 1964. Stars like Michael Beasley helped bring national attention to the program in the modern era, while coaches such as Jack Gardner, Lon Kruger, and Bruce Weber kept the Wildcats consistently in the NCAA Tournament. The team has captured several conference titles and continues to challenge for March Madness success.
The school’s dedication to both men’s and women’s athletics has strengthened its national profile. Beyond Kansas State Wildcats basketball, the Kansas State University Wildcats football program has produced numerous All-Americans, NFL players, and NBA draft picks. Notable alumni include Michael Beasley (NBA), Steve Grogan (NFL), Steve McMichael (NFL), and Darren Sproles (NFL). This mix of historic athletes and Hall-of-Famers has helped Kansas State become synonymous with excellence across sports.
Wildcats Achievements
In recent years, the Kansas State Wildcats have continued to grow their legacy. The football program added another Big 12 Championship in 2022, proving the Wildcats remain a force in college football. Meanwhile, Kansas State Wildcats basketball returned to the NCAA Tournament spotlight, including an Elite Eight run in 2018, reinforcing their status as a national contender.
With sustained success in both Kansas State University Wildcats football and Kansas State Wildcats basketball, Kansas State has solidified its reputation as one of the premier destinations for student-athletes. Championships, tournament runs, and professional-level talent continue to define the Wildcats’ story, making them a respected name across NCAA sports and a source of pride for fans in Manhattan and beyond.
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