Butch T. Cougar

This is a Limited Edition of 250 numbered copies.  Each print is numbered. $150.00 from each print sold goes to The Cougar Athletic Fund. Washington State University Mascot. Charity:  Cougar Athletic Fund From riots over stuffed cougars, to live animals smuggled on trains, the path to WSU’s mascot was anything but straightforward. Washington Agricultural College football began in 1894, with newspapers calling the team “Farmers” or “Potato Diggers.” By 1905, players had pets as mascots, most notably, “Squirt” the dog and “Toodles” the black bear.  Squirt was stolen during a game at Oregon State, but the team came home with Toodles instead. In 1919, after defeating Cal’s Golden Bears, sports writers commented that the Bears received a Cougar mauling.  After a student body meeting on October 28th, the University claimed the Cougar as it’s mascot.  Stuffed cougars first appeared on the sidelines, sparking a rivalry later that same season when UW stole one.  A 1932 attempt to reclaim it led to a riot during halftime, and left WSC’s Ken Bement clutching the mascot’s torn ears. WSC’s first live cougar mascot arrived in 1927, a tradition lasting until 1978.  One cougar was renamed “Butch” after quarterback Herbert “Butch” Meeker, and the name stuck.  During WWII, a statue of Butch on the USS Washington became a good-luck charm for sailors.  The ship never took a hit or lost a soldier in enemy combat, and it was also known for sinking the most enemy tonnage.  When the last live Butch died, students created a costume version in 1977.  That handmade suit marked the start of the beloved Butch T. Cougar, who continues to embody WSU spirit today. Cougar Athletic Fund $150.00 from each print sold goes to The Cougar Athletic Fund. A gift to the Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) supports a world-class experience for over 450 WSU student-athletes. The annual giving program is the backbone of philanthropic support to WSU Athletics. They ensure necessary resources are provided for student-athletes across all sport programs through scholarships for in-state aid, cost of attendance, academic support, travel, equipment, medical services, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and game expenses. By supporting the Annual Fund, we can provide a transformational student-athlete experience, build champions on and off the field, and elevate Washington State University. This is a Limited Edition of 250 numbered copies.  Each print is numbered.