Where the Wildcats Are!

“Mascots keep up the spirit of the teams, cheerleaders, and fans,” said Bob St. Cyr ’69, a zoology major from Manchester who wore the Wildcat costume for all football games during his senior year.

The first ’Cat costume was the handy work of a “Pep Cat”—as the cheerleaders were called. Lynda Brearey '66 created the costume to boost morale during a losing season. Many costumes followed; this one is from 1983.

1991 saw the appearance of a ferocious blue Wildcat with a frightening set of incisors...

...while 1995 brought in a casual, jauntier style.

In 2000, Wild E. Cat came on the scene, the same year that UNH Athletics introduced a new logo (on the jersey shoulder).

“What most people do not know? I was the one who stopped Darren Haydar’s slapper during the warm-up skate in 2001,” pronounced Wild E. Cat, who practices with both the women's and men's hockey teams.

When Wild E.'s schedule became overbooked, another costumed cat was deemed necessary. This time a fiercer, more athletic and muscular-looking costume was created. Athletics called the new character “Gnarlz,” the name chosen by popular vote in a poll of fans and students.

Wild E. Cat himself underwent a makeover in the summer of 2010, with the explicit goal of losing a little “fluff ”and gaining a lot more “buff.”

After three months of intensive physical training, a more athletic, but still adorable, Wild E. Cat emerged.

One of Wild E.'s favorite duties is to greet students and their families. Taking advantage of every opportunity, the affable ’Cat finds Move-In Day to be the perfect time for making friends.

Wild E. may be a hugging fool, but Gnarlz loves a parade. Even President Huddleston has to stay on his toes around Gnarlz, who tends to dash out ahead of other natural leaders, trying to assume the "alpha" role.

The Wildcat trio proudly watches over campus athletics and community events, an unbeatable team, and a fine example of UNH sportsmanship, ability and savior faire.