Washington State University Athletics
Tradition of Butch Began at 1927 Homecoming Game
Butch posed for many photos during the Homecoming Rally & Bonfire Friday night.
Homecoming is one of the great traditions at Washington State University, as is the mascot, Butch T. Cougar.
The two traditions are inseparably linked. In 1927, the first live cougar mascot, Butch I, was presented to Washington State College at halftime of the 1927 Homecoming game against the University of Idaho by Governor Roland H. Hartley.
Thank you to Washington State Libraries Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections for the below photo showing this historic moment.
From 1927 to 1978 the live cougar mascot lived at what is now the site of the Cougar Pride statue.
Go Cougs!
Jason Krump, WSU Athletics
