Big Red by WKU Athletic Media Relations

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Date of Birth: Sept. 21, 1979, celebrates Dec. 1stHeight: 6 feetWeight: 25 poundsCreator: Ralph CareyOffspring: Little RedInitial Cost: $900Photographs Big Red was conceived in the fall of 1979 in the mind of Ralph Carey. Ralph created a suit based on amusement park characters. Big Red has been the Hilltopper mascot since December 1, 1979.Memo from Fred Hensley to ? Gibson, Gary Ransdell, Ron Beck and Paul Just regarding mascot meeting.Date: 12/8Subject: AttachedTo: Gibson, Ransdell, Beck, JustFrom: Fred Hensley(x) For your files(x) For your informationRemarks: Enclosed is a copy of the narrative submitted with the patent application. Thanks for your help.THE CREATION OF WKU'S "BIG RED"In September, 1979, a small group of administrators at Western Kentucky University were casually discussing the peculiar problem that the University had in not having an established school mascot. Essentially, that conversation centered around Western's successful athletic traditions, especially basketball, and how important the total University image is to keeping these traditions. The athletes and coaches had always been high in ability and character, the cheerleaders were talented and attractive, the students and fans were most supportive and seemed to thrive on the "red towel" symbol that had been established by the legendary Western Coach, Ed Diddle. But yet something was missing.You see, folks at Western Kentucky University are known as the Hilltoppers; a unique and appealing nickname especially in light of the lofty terrain of the Bowling Green, Kentucky, campus. But have you ever tried to figure out just what a "Hilltopper" might be? Many have tried. On several occasions the University experimented with some rather interesting variations of what could be interpreted as a Hilltopper. But none of these characters seemed quite right.It was during this early Autumn discussion that a decision was made to attempt to create a totally new mascot that might not necessarily be considered as the Hilltopper but rather as a new athletic spirit symbol. The fans still needed to wave their red towels, but the University wanted to provide an additional element of color and excitement that would not only motivate crowds but entertain them as well.Two administrators, one from Student Affairs and one from Alumni Affairs, took the initiative (under the prompting of the fiery new Basketball Coach) to explore and create such a mascot. Dozens of creatures were studied, sketches were made, but nothing seemed quite striking or sophisticated enough.It was at this point, in mid-September, that