The NC State mascot is a beloved representative of the university and its athletic teams. The mascot, known as the Wolfpack, is a symbol of pride and strength for the NC State community. The wolf has been a part of the university's identity since the early 20th century, and it continues to be an important figure in NC State's tradition and spirit. The current NC State mascot is known as Tuffy the Wolf and was introduced in 1981. Tuffy is a friendly and energetic character that can be seen at various sporting events, pep rallies, and other university functions. Tuffy's presence brings joy and excitement to both students and fans, and serves as a rallying point for showing support for the Wolfpack teams.
Tuffy's presence brings joy and excitement to both students and fans, and serves as a rallying point for showing support for the Wolfpack teams. The choice of a wolf as the NC State mascot is no coincidence. The wolf represents the qualities that the university and its athletic teams strive for - strength, resilience, and a sense of community.
Mascot Mania: The Evolution of NC State's Mascot - Part II
Over the years, NC State has had a range of mascots, from children to robotic wolf-men. All of these changes have culminated in our current mascots, who have become staples at NC State sporting events and celebrations. For more information about mascot history at NC State, refer to part I of the “Mascot Mania” blog series .
Mr. and Ms. Wuf are recognizable figures in collegiate sports, but there was a period of time when other mascots reigned supreme. In 1946, a mechanical engineering student, Ira Helms, built and operated a mechanical wolf-man costume known on campus as “Hell” or “Wolf-Monster. ” The robot costume stood over seven feet tall with a chest that measured 10 feet around, and Helms created the costume with assistance from an instructor in the Mechanical Drawing Department. According to a Technician article , “it is believed that State College is the first school ever to have a robot (mechanical wolf) for a mascot.” However, Helms ran out of time to make the robot costume fully operational, so he wore the wolf costume at football games while another student walked behind him with a fake control box. The mascot lasted less than a year, and sadly, it was “laid to rest” in a funeral ceremony after the 1947 Gator Bowl. Different versions of the wolf mascot appeared in the following years, including an imposing figure featured in the 1948 Agromeck .
By the 1960s, the cheerleading team created one of the earliest iterations of the wolf mascot known at the time as “Mr. Wolf.” Mr. Wolf’s first known appearances date from the early 1960s, and his first costume was a wolf felt suit . The felt suit lasted from around 1963 to 1969, and by 1975, the look transitioned to this gray costume featuring a friendlier design and a white cap. Mr. Wolf wore this costume until the 1980s, after which the costume incorporated a white sailor hat with “NCSU” stitched on the brim.
In the 1980s, the mascot’s name officially changed from “Mr. Wolf” to “Mr. Wuf '' when a student, Scott Joseph, debuted a new costume made by his mother. Joseph’s mother began sewing the mascot’s name on the back of the jersey, and she didn’t have enough room to spell “Wolf,” so she shortened the name to “Wuf.” This spelling change became permanent after the 1982-1983 season, and the figure known as Mr. Wuf was born. The 1990s ushered in new changes to the Mr. Wuf costume, as a new cartoonish costume was adopted at this time. Between 2000 and 2003, Mr. Wuf’s suit was updated again before the creation of the current costume seen around campus today.
In the 1970s, the athletics administration and students decided that Mr. Wuf needed a companion. Following the passing of Title IX in 1972, Ms. Wuf was introduced alongside Mr. Wuf to represent women’s athletics at NC State. Over the years, Ms. Wuf would undergo numerous costume and clothing changes. Her first costume (pictured on the right) featured overalls, a head, and a tail. The original costume for Ms. Wuf was replaced by another costume between the 1983 and 1984 seasons when the mascot first switched to wearing a sleeveless dress. This costume changed between 1990 and 1991 to feature her signature halter dress and bow. In 1992, the head of the costume was changed to showcase an even friendlier expression, and this costume design would continue for years until it was eventually replaced in the early 2000s. Her signature bow and halter dress were a staple for years, along with a ring she received from her 1981 wedding to Mr. Wuf.
After the creation of Ms. Wuf, Chris Belton, the student portraying Mr. Wuf, argued that the name Mr. and Ms. Wuf was confusing since it implied that the duo was married. Consequently, members of the cheer squad insisted that NC State should conduct a marriage ceremony to unite the pair in "canis matrimonium” and promote school spirit. On February 28, 1981, the couple officially wed at Reynolds Coliseum in a ceremony held at halftime during a men’s basketball game against Wake Forest. Chancellor Joab L. Thomas escorted Ms. Wuf down the aisle while the Demon Deacon mascot officiated the wedding. There were also two wolf cubs at the wedding, but it is unclear whether they were a part of the wedding or were Mr. and Ms. Wuf’s children. The happy couple renewed their vows 30 years later in 2011 at Reynolds Coliseum, with the Demon Deacon again officiating, and Ms. Wuf received a new ring.
As NC State’s mascot pair, Mr. and Ms. Wuf have seen their fair share of strange events. In 1977, Mr. and Ms. Wuf were kidnapped for a March of Dimes fundraising event. NC State’s Circle K club abducted the mascot pair and subsequently posted a demand for their ransom in the Technician . The ransom note stated that in order to “ensure their [Mr. and Ms. Wuf’s] safe return for the ACC tournament, send a donation” to the Circle K club. A year later, Ms. Wuf’s head was stolen at a NC State club hockey game in Greensboro. The culprit, who was later identified as a UNC-Chapel Hill student, snuck up behind Ms. Wuf at the game. The student ripped the mascot’s head off and then fled into a waiting car. Thankfully, the student returned the mascot’s head to UNC cheerleaders out of fear of legal trouble, and the cheerleaders returned the head to NC State.
Despite many changes over the years, Mr. and Ms. Wuf are known today for their vibrant red costumes and friendly wolf faces, and they represent the Wolfpack at games, celebrations, and other important events. More recently, the iconic duo was voted the nation’s top mascot , and they continue to represent excellence in the NC State community and beyond.
To learn more about mascots and other symbols of the University, check out the Libraries' NC State Mascots, Colors, Team Names, and Symbols Timeline . You can also browse additional images of the mascot in our Rare and Unique Digital Collections . If you are interested in following the adventures of Mr. and Ms. Wuf, their official accounts are @mr.wuf and @ms.wuf on Instagram.
If you have any questions or are interested in viewing Special Collections materials, please contact us at [email protected] or submit a request online . The Special Collections Research Center is open by appointment only . Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm and Saturday, 1pm–5pm. Requests for a Saturday appointment must be received no later than Tuesday of the same week.
Mr. and Ms. Wuf are recognizable figures in collegiate sports, but there was a period of time when other mascots reigned supreme. In 1946, a mechanical engineering student, Ira Helms, built and operated a mechanical wolf-man costume known on campus as “Hell” or “Wolf-Monster. ” The robot costume stood over seven feet tall with a chest that measured 10 feet around, and Helms created the costume with assistance from an instructor in the Mechanical Drawing Department. According to a Technician article , “it is believed that State College is the first school ever to have a robot (mechanical wolf) for a mascot.” However, Helms ran out of time to make the robot costume fully operational, so he wore the wolf costume at football games while another student walked behind him with a fake control box. The mascot lasted less than a year, and sadly, it was “laid to rest” in a funeral ceremony after the 1947 Gator Bowl. Different versions of the wolf mascot appeared in the following years, including an imposing figure featured in the 1948 Agromeck .
The Wolfpack motto, "strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack," embodies the idea that individuals are stronger when they work together as a team. This concept is reflected in the mascot's name, Tuffy, which is derived from the word "tough" and reflects the determination and toughness of the Wolfpack teams. The NC State mascot is not only a symbol of athletics but also represents the university's overall spirit and sense of pride. The mascot serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement for all students, faculty, and alumni, reminding them of the unique bond they share as members of the Wolfpack community. In conclusion, the NC State mascot, Tuffy the Wolf, plays a vital role in representing the university's athletic teams and its overall spirit. The mascot serves as a symbol of strength, unity, and pride for the NC State community, and its presence brings joy and excitement to all those who encounter it..
Reviews for "The Power of Mascots in N and C Sports Marketing"
1. John - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with the N C Stat mascot. It lacked creativity and was just another generic animal costume. There was nothing unique or memorable about it. I had higher expectations for a university mascot.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I found the N C Stat mascot to be quite underwhelming. It did not embody the spirit or pride of the university. The costume looked cheaply made and the overall design was unimpressive. It failed to make a lasting impression on me.
3. David - 2 stars - The N C Stat mascot was a complete letdown. It lacked energy and enthusiasm, which are crucial traits for a university mascot. It did not engage with the crowd or bring any excitement to the events. I expected more from such a renowned institution.
4. Jessica - 1 star - The N C Stat mascot was simply forgettable. It did not leave a lasting impression on me or anyone else in the crowd. The design was uninspiring and the performance lacked enthusiasm. It was a disappointment overall. The university should invest in a mascot that truly captures the spirit of the institution.