Mr. and Ms. Wuf are NC State’s Wolfpack mascots, the heart of the team. They represent the Wolfpack spirit and NC State’s long legacy.
While the mascot couple is well-known, their storied past is unfamiliar to the fans.
So if you have wondered how these adorable wolves became the mascots of a Football team, then here’s everything you need to know about Mr. Wuf and Ms. Wuf of NC State.
What Is The History Of Mr. And Ms. Wuf, Mascots Of NC State?
Back before 1921, NC State’s teams didn’t have one name. They were called all sorts of things, like the “Red Terrors” after red became a school color in 1895. Some called them the “Farmers” or “Aggies.”
Then, in 1921, an NC State grad wrote that the football team was as wild as a “pack of wolves.” This moniker stuck, and after a while, the Wolfpack name was born.
By 1947, every NC State team officially became the Wolfpack. Before that, only football used the name, while basketball kept “Red Terrors.” The new name sparked ideas for a mascot. This led to the creation of Mr. Wuf in the 1950s. He wasn’t even called Mr. Wuf yet. Cheerleaders just threw on a wolf costume for games.
Those early costumes were not exactly cuddly. They were scruffy, weird-looking wolves, more like a creepy fox than today’s mascot.
In 1974, NC State started its first women’s basketball team. A year later, in 1975, a female wolf mascot appeared for the women’s teams. She didn’t have a name either, but she looked friendlier than the early Mr. Wuf. These two wolves were on their way to becoming stars.
In 1981, things got official. The guy wearing the male wolf costume wanted “Mr. Wolf” on his jersey. The name wouldn’t fit, so he went with “Mr. Wuf.” The female wolf became “Ms. Wuf” that same year.
But on Feb. 28, 1981, was when things got serious between the mascots. During a men’s basketball game against Wake Forest, Mr. and Ms. Wuf got married in “canis matrimonium” at Reynolds Coliseum.
With a stadium filled with 11,800 live fans, NC State’s Chancellor Joab Thomas walked Ms. Wuf down the aisle. Wake Forest’s Demon Deacon led the ceremony. Cheerleaders Chris Belton and Susan Smith, wearing the costumes, came up with the wedding idea after a cheerleading camp.
People called them Mr. and “Mrs.” Wuf, but they thought, “Why call her Mrs. Wuf if they’re not married?” So, they made it official.
WHAD UP MR. AND MS. WUF!!!!!!
LOVE your 🇺🇸 skirt Ms. Wuf!!!
🐺🐺🐺‼️‼️‼️💯💯💯 pic.twitter.com/TzwqMfV33I
— Tuffy Talk (@TuffyTalkNow) November 4, 2023
The Wufs were a hit. Susan Smith once waved mistletoe at a December game, letting fans kiss her cheek. Chris Belton, as Mr. Wuf, pretended to be jealous. The crowd loved it. Since then, Mr. and Ms. Wuf are rarely apart.
However, in recent days, the identities of the people inside the costumes have been kept hidden. Mascot coach Kristen Bolinger once said keeping the performers’ names hidden helps fans love the characters, not the people inside.
KEEP READING: NC State 2025 Football Schedule
In 2011, the Wuf couple renewed their vows at another Wake Forest game. As their 40th anniversary nears, the Wufs keep the Wolfpack spirit alive.
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