No. 2: A brief history of the UNH Wildcat

Who have sharp, pointy teeth, can ice skate, and never miss a University of New Hampshire sporting event? They are Gnarlz and Wild E. Cat, UNH's beloved mascots. Though they are well known for their enthusiastic spirit, many aren't aware of how they came to be at UNH.

The main purpose of mascots is to keep student spirit up at sporting events. Gnarlz and Wild E. Cat are no exception. They can be seen during the half time at hockey games, doing flips with the gymnastics team or riling up the student section at football games.

On Feb. 4, 1926, the wildcat became UNH's mascot. Other candidates considered to represent UNH included a huskie, an eagle, and even a unicorn. According to UNH's Fanzone website the wildcat was an ideal choice.

"A wildcat image perceives that the speed, litheness, cunning and resourcefulness of the wildcat were attributed to be found in the UNH athletic teams," the website said.

In 1968, the first Wildcat costume made its appearance at a football game. Donning the costume then was considered a service project for the fraternity brothers of Alpha Phi Omega. Brothers wore the costume for football, basketball, and hockey games.

Before costumed mascots, UNH had five live wildcat mascots: Maizie, Bozo, Butch I, Butch Watson II, and Fudge. Maizie was a mascot for two years, Bozo disappeared, Butch I was stolen by a rival school, Butch Watson II only lived a week after his purchase by the University, and Fudge was owned by a resident of Rochester, N.H.  The last live mascot, Fudge, was around until 1969. Currently, UNH does not have any live wildcat mascots.

Wild E. Cat has a friendlier outward appearance, catering to children's programs held at UNH. Gnarlz is more muscular and is known as a "student-friendly" mascot.  Gnarlz was introduced in 2008 to help with the increased amount of expected appearances of the UNH mascot.  Wild E. Cat has been around since 2000.

The UNH mascot continues to evolve, but the wildcat spirit remains constant. Whatever sporting event you find yourself attending this year, be sure to look for those crazy cats who try to keep the University's school spirit alive.