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Mascot Showdown: The Kentucky Wildcat vs. the Northwestern Wildcat

by:Mrs. Tyler Thompson•12/28/17•

@MrsTylerKSR

The Music City Bowl will determine which Wildcats are superior on the football field, Kentucky’s or Northwestern’s, but what about the mascots themselves?

I channeled my inner Freddie Maggard and scouted the two to determine which feline reigns supreme:

The Kentucky Wildcat, aka “The Cat”

Height: 6’0″

Age: 41

First appeared in costume in the 1976-77 season

Strengths

Not afraid of heights:

Can fly:

Can hit halfcourt shots:

Runs a decent route:

Has rappelled down a building:

Weaknesses

Can’t do the splits:

Go-To Moves

C-A-T-S chant:

Pushups after each score:

“Willie” the Wildcat

Height: 5’9″

Age: 80

Had extensive work done in 2007

Strengths:

Ice skating:

Gymnastics:

Dancing:

Weaknesses

Easily distracted:

Go-To Moves

Handstands?

@WillieWildcatNU

High fives?

Conclusion

Northwestern’s Willie the Wildcat has the edge in gymnastics and festive formal wear (his flashy suits are a nod to Northwestern alum Craig Sager), but he is no match for the Kentucky Wildcat when it comes to big stunts or basketball and football skills. Also, whereas the Cat is known for leading the C-A-T-S chant and his pushups, I can’t find much footage of Willie doing anything other than giving fans high fives and the occasional backflip.

Given his large tufts of hair, jovial face and generally passive nature, Willie seems more of a goofy, friendly mascot, similar to the Cat’s sidekick, Scratch; meanwhile, the Cat isn’t afraid to put one of his nine lives on the line for the fans, swinging from the rafters in Rupp and rappelling down buildings.

VERDICT: The Kentucky Wildcat is obviously superior…but Willie’s suits are pretty awesome.

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