The Weber State Wildcats boast a proud NCAA tradition built over decades of competition. Known for excellence in Weber State Wildcats football and Weber State Wildcats basketball, the Wildcats have achieved numerous conference titles and memorable postseason runs. Their program reflects consistent dedication, producing athletes who excel on the field, court, and beyond.
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!
Weber State Wildcats Origin
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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Weber State Wildcats History
The Weber State Wildcats represent Weber State University, a public institution located in Ogden, Utah, and are widely recognized for their strong NCAA traditions, especially their rivalry with the Eastern Washington Eagles. The school has been an NCAA Division I member since 1991 and competes in the Big Sky Conference for all sports, including Weber State Wildcats football, which plays at the FCS level.
Athletics at Weber State began as early as 1889, when students participated informally in basketball and track & field. In 1911, formal intercollegiate competition started with men’s baseball teams facing nearby schools. By the 1915–16 academic year, nine sports were offered, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, and men’s track & field.
Over the years, the program steadily expanded. Golf was added in 1925, cross-country running in 1929, volleyball in 1970, soccer in 1972, and softball in 1976. Wrestling was later introduced but dropped after 2000 due to budget constraints, before being reinstated for the 2012–13 season. These additions helped shape the Weber State Wildcats into a comprehensive athletic program spanning numerous men’s and women’s sports.
Since joining Division I competition in 1991–92, the Weber State Wildcats basketball teams have made multiple NCAA tournament appearances. The men’s program earned bids to March Madness twice in the 2000s, including the 2003–04 season where they faced Duke in the second round. Earlier, they reached the Sweet Sixteen three times between the 1995–96 and 1997–98 seasons and captured four regular-season Big Sky titles from 2002–03 through 2005–06.
Wildcats Achievements
The Weber State Wildcats football program has also excelled at the FCS level. They have won multiple Big Sky Conference championships under head coach Jay Hill, including a string of titles from 2017 to 2020. These achievements have secured the Wildcats a reputation as one of the strongest FCS programs in the West, with consistent playoff appearances and nationally ranked seasons.
Beyond basketball and football, the Wildcats have excelled in cross country and track & field, producing All-Americans and Olympians. Their women’s basketball and softball programs have also secured conference titles, contributing to a balanced and competitive athletic department.
Today, Weber State fields 14 varsity teams — eight men’s programs (baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track/cross country) and six women’s programs (basketball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball). With a proud tradition and growing success in Weber State Wildcats basketball and Weber State Wildcats football, the school continues to be a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference and a symbol of athletic excellence in Utah.
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