WKU Mascot Redesign Sparks Backlash

By Camille Nichols

The mound on which Western Kentucky University sits has changed drastically in its nearly 150-year history — but, according to some, another hilltop has been long due for an upgrade.

The university announced this week that WKU’s quintessential mascot, Big Red, is set to receive an overhaul.

“Mr. Red just doesn’t inspire the kind of energy we’re looking for,” Director of Athletics Tara Johnson told the Daily News. “You look around the conference and see these sleek, modern mascot designs, and we just don’t compare.”

Johnson said WKU Athletics hired a team of designers to imagine the next evolution of Big Red, from shapely red sod to seasoned contender.

Enter the new Big Red.

“We wanted something about him to remind you of a bright red Corvette,” Johnson said. “He’s aerodynamic, fast and innovative.”

But Hilltoppers young and old have mixed feelings about the change.

“He looks like the mascot of a car wash,” said WKU Junior Chris Wright. “He’s so generic and shiny looking. I really don’t know why they designed him like that.”

Cynthia Maleek, a WKU Class of 2040 alum, was similarly confused.

“It’s not the worst thing, but I don’t understand why,” she said. “No one was asking for this.”

Nashville-based marketing firm First Impressions led the mascot’s redesign through a $3.1 million dollar contract. 

Project lead Omen Sulk said redesigning a well-beloved character always faces some pushback, but thinks Hilltoppers will come to embrace the new look in time.

“There was nothing inherently wrong with the old Big Red,” Sulk said. “We saw an opportunity to bring the university’s athletics into the modern era, and we took it. Unfortunately, that means leaving some things behind, but we’re really happy with the result.”