The 2024 season for the Washington State Cougars was not their best. The team finished 8–5 overall with a .615 winning percentage. They averaged 36 points per game. But despite the strong start and 5-1 home record, the season ended with a four-game losing streak and a winless conference record. Yet, amidst it all, there was one constant favorite.
The furry, fearless, and fan-favorite Cougar on the sidelines, the Butch T. Cougar
What Is the Washington State Cougars’ Mascot?
The Butch T. Cougar is the Washington State Cougars’ mascot. He’s got the spirit and the claws. And no doubt, he is a Washington State legend. While the cougar itself was chosen as WSU’s official mascot back in 1919, it wasn’t until 1927 that Butch made his debut. And it all started with a real, live cougar cub.
The cub was initially gifted to the school during a Homecoming game. And he needed a name. The students named him after football star Herbert “Butch” Meeker of Spokane. Just like that, Butch the Cougar was born.
For a long time, the Butch was a literal big cat. Between 1927 and 1978, WSU kept live cougars on campus, giving the Cougar faithful an absolute beast to rally behind. However, after the sixth and final live Butch passed away in 1978, the university chose to go a different way. They decided to bid adieu to the live mascot and got their costume-clad Butch that the world loves today.
While the Butch might not have claws or teeth, it is very much just as iconic. The mascot can be seen cheering at football games, showing off dance moves at basketball tip-offs, and popping up at events across campus. The Butch has, over the years, become an ambassador of Cougar pride.
And the student behind the mask? Well, that’s top secret until the final home game of the year when the big reveal happens. Now, that is WSU tradition at its best.
Why Was the Washington State Mascot a Butch The Cougar?
So, why a cougar, and why name him Butch? It all started on October 1, 1927, when
Governor Roland H. Hartley arrived at the Homecoming game with a surprise. The live cougar cub was a gift to the university. All loved the cougar. So it was only right that they named it after one of their favorite football players.
KEEP READING: History of the USC Trojans Mascot
Naming the Cougar Herbert “Butch” Meeker was a tribute to one of the university’s football heroes. It tied the team’s symbol directly to the sport’s spirit. Butch continues to embody the fearless energy of WSU. He’s a living, dancing, shirt-throwing symbol of what it means to be a Cougar.
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