Wesleyan Athletics Unveils New Wolves Mascot
Photos by Donn Rodenroth
The next time you cheer on a Wesleyan College sports team, you will hear a new refrain energizing the athletes: “1, 2, 3… Go WOLVES!!!” The decision to make the change from Pioneers to Wolves for the athletic teams came as a response to student requests for a mascot that could have a visual presence at games and on campus. The College will continue to use the Pioneer mascot to highlight the school’s many achievements in the advancement of women’s education, but on the playing fields and courts, it will now introduce its sports programs as the Wolves. “Although Wesleyan College will remain Pioneers at heart, we are excited about unveiling a new mascot for our athletic teams that will create a more tangible connection with students and fans,” remarked Wesleyan College President Ruth Knox. “As our programs continue to grow and improve under the leadership
of a solid core of coaches, each with considerable experience at the Division I level, we expect the Wesleyan Wolves to represent the competitive spirit, pride, and tenacity of our scholarathletes.” In transitioning to the Wolves, Wesleyan will go through a gradual process of rolling out new uniforms, warm-ups, and other ancillary items that feature the new Wolves mascot. The athletics department has acquired a wolf mascot costume that will bring added excitement and energy to Wesleyan games. Other tangible changes see the campus adorned with streetlight banners celebrating the fantastic new logo as well as new window banners at Porter Gym.
the NCAA and have wanted a symbol to generate excitement and energize school spirit around athletics. Athletics contributes to student development at so many levels and having a mascot the entire student body can embrace and unite around will continue to create recognition for our athletics program and Wesleyan. The attributes of a wolf – courage, strength, loyalty, and success – are all characteristics of Wesleyan women, so this is a very appropriate and fitting mascot for us to adopt.”
“Wesleyan College has always been and continues to be proud of our heritage as pioneers in the education of women,” stated Wesleyan’s Athletic Director Patty Gibbs. “Our studentathletes are also proud to be part of
Wesleyan Magazine Winter 2013