The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1536961
48 ■ THE WOLFPACKER PACK PAST BY TIM PEELER T he bright red perma-bow between her ears and the flirty crinoline jumper belie the fierce femininity that she has contributed to NC State athletics since women's sports were first introduced more than a half-century ago. Her kindly visage, a comfort and joy to kids in the stands and athletes in ac- tion, was carefully crafted at NC State's College of Design by professor Vincent Foote at a time when now-known tradi- tions were left up to student cheer squad leaders and approved by senior associate athletics director Frank Weedon. She has been the compassionate ma- tron of the Wolfpack through the tough- est of times and the greatest of celebra- tions, a caring carnivore who is an active participant at games, school celebrations and special private events like weddings, birthday parties and even a funeral or two. Whether you know her by her maiden name, Miss Wolf, or by her married name, Ms. Wuf, NC State's female mas- cot is a canine friend Wolfpack fans don't always know they need when they gather. She's hugged a president or two, not to mention generations of NC State fans, young and old, who find her a lit- tle less intimidating than Mr. Wuf, her husband of 44 years. Oh, yes, Mr. and Ms. Wuf are married, joined at a Feb. 28, 1981, ceremony during halftime of a men's basketball game against Wake Forest. Chancellor Joab Thomas gave the bride away, and the Demon Deacon mascot performed the vows, solidifying their honored places as the First Couple of the Pack. Creating Experiences Ms. Wuf's costume has evolved over the years, from red-and-white denim overalls to a flared skirt, but her core val- ues have always been the same: fierce- ness when needed, compassion when warranted and a constant joyful de- meanor. All delivered without the use of words. Like most mascots in all sports, Mr. and Ms. Wuf are not allowed to speak to the thousands of fans who approach them at every turn. "The mascots don't talk, but that doesn't stop them from participating with the cheerleaders' chants and hyp- ing up the crowd," said NC State mascots coach Rachel Fenton, who portrayed Ms. Wuf during her student days. "They are interactive with fans, giving out high- fives, taking pictures, and even going into the stands. "Ms. Wuf loves to dance with the dance team, and some of her dances have even gone semi-viral online. She loves to create experiences for fans, and she keeps their spirits up no matter the game's outcome." Truth be told, as more women are now enrolled at NC State than men, and women's athletics have succeeded with three recent national titles and multiple ACC championships in various sports like cross country, basketball and tennis, she might even be a little more lovable and approachable than her life-partner. "I think students really relate to her as a woman in sports, strong and fierce and also kind," Fenton said. "They love to see her at women's events like bas- ketball and volleyball. The population of female students at State has been increasing for years, so it's important that their population is represented by something unique." "In some ways, she's become more popular than Mr. Wuf." Not that it's a contest. What's not always fully appreciated, however, is her unique journey to be- coming one of college athletics' first fe- male mascots, back during an era when the women's liberation movement fol- For Five Decades, Ms. Wuf Has Been A Fierce Supporter Of NC State Inspired by a cheer team from UCLA, Ms. Wuf was introduced in 1975 and has since become a fixture at NC State athletic events. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS