College Sports Established
1896
Location
Evanston, Illinois
College Name
Northwestern University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1896 – Present / Big 10
Nickname
Wildcats - The Northwestern Wildcats are among the country's most beloved college sports teams. Fans have been drawn to their on-field success and passionate fan base for years. But what many people don’t know is that there is a fascinating story behind the team’s nickname: The Northwestern Wildcats.
It all began in 1894 when an alumnus of Northwestern University suggested using “Wildcats” as a mascot for its athletic teams since it was believed to be fierce, agile, and courageous - qualities that could be associated with successful athletes at any level of competition. This suggestion was accepted by students and faculty alike, and soon after, “Wildcats" was officially adopted as their nickname.
Over time, this name has become synonymous with excellence within athletics and other aspects of campus life, such as academics or student organizations – something we can all appreciate! In addition to being used by current students and alumni alike across multiple generations, it has even made its way into popular culture through films like "Bring It On," which featured cheerleaders from fictional Rancho Carne High School who were known affectionately as The Toros (a play on words from Wildcat).
So next time you find yourself cheering for your favorite team, take a moment to remember how they got their start – thanks in part due to an enthusiastic alum back in 1894 who wanted everyone involved with NU Athletics to embody what it means indeed mean when they say Go Cats!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1943
- 1979
- 1996
- 2018
- 2020
-
Northwestern Wildcats – Otto Graham
Graham’s first game for the Northwestern Wildcats football team was on October 4, 1941, when he caught a Kansas State punt and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown. He ran and passed for two more touchdowns in the 51–3 victory. After scoring another pair of touchdowns in a win against Wisconsin, Graham passed to his wide receivers for two touchdowns ... -
Northwestern wins its first NCAA men’s basketball tournament game
In 1979: Northwestern wins its first NCAA men’s basketball tournament game against Michigan State. -
Northwestern Big Ten football champions and plays in the Citrus Bowl
In 1996: Northwestern repeats as Big Ten football champions and plays in the Citrus Bowl. -
Northwestern wins Big Ten West division title in football
In 2018: Northwestern wins its third consecutive bowl game, the Holiday Bowl, against Utah, and also wins its first Big Ten West division title in football. -
Wildcats Women’s basketball team wins the Big Ten title
In 2020″: Wildcats Women’s basketball team wins the Big Ten regular season title for the first time since 1990.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats have a long and storied history in the NCAA. As one of the oldest teams in college sports, they have been competing since 1876. The team has had many successes, including winning four Big Ten championships and several appearances in bowl games, particularly in their matchups against their rivalry team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. They are also known for their strong academic reputation and passionate fan base supporting them through thick and thin.
Since joining Division I-A football in 1895, Northwestern has consistently been among the top contenders within its conference year after year. In 1995 they won their first outright Big Ten championship under coach Gary Barnett, who became head coach at Colorado University from 1999-2005 before retiring from coaching altogether last season (2020). From 2005 until 2018, Pat Fitzgerald was the head coach of NU’s Football program, leading them to three more conference titles, with two coming consecutively (2018 & 2019). He is considered by many to be one of the greatest coaches ever at this school which is no small feat given its rich tradition within college sports circles across America!
While it's true that NU hasn't had much success when it comes to postseason play outside of a few appearances here or there throughout its existence; however, this shouldn't take away from all those great moments we've witnessed over time, like when quarterback Brett Basanez threw an incredible Hail Mary pass against Michigan State back 2006 or any other number memorable plays/games involving these Wildcats! It's clear why so many people continue supporting such an iconic institution even though times may not always be easy - because deep down inside, everyone knows just how unique this university is, both athletically & academically speaking alike!
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