Hutchinson in Reno County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Wildcat Evolution
[Kansas State University]
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2010
1. Wildcat Evolution Marker
"Originally known as the Aggies," the term "Wildcats" was first adopted for Kansas State University athletic teams in 1915 when football coach "Jawn" Bender called his players wildcats after they fought to a 0 - 0 tie with Missouri.
"Willie the Wildcat" is the oldest active logo, having been introduced in the early 1960's. The Powercat logo arrived in 1989 and was first used by the football team. Today, it is the most popular mark in sales in the history of K-State.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 38° 4.598′ N, 97° 55.713′ W. Marker is in Hutchinson, Kansas, in Reno County. It can be reached from Grandstand Avenue. Marker is on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, just north of the Eisenhower Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2000 North Poplar Street, Hutchinson KS 67502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gus Gorilla (here, next to this marker); The Story of WuShock (here, next to this marker); Victor E. Tiger (here, next to this marker); The Legend of Corky the Hornet (a few steps from this marker); The University of Kansas Jayhawk (a few steps from this marker); Man's Last Footsteps On The Moon (approx. 0.9 miles away); Citizens Bank (approx. 1½ miles away); Whiteside Building (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hutchinson.
Also see . . .
1. Willie the Wildcat. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 24, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Kansas State University. University website homepage (Submitted on February 2, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Kansas State Sports. University website entry (Submitted on January 29, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2010
2. Wildcat Evolution Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2010
3. Wildcat Evolution Marker
Second from left
September 18, 2010
4. Wildcat Evolution Image
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 18, 2010
5. Wildcat Evolution Detail
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,625 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 1, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
