The 1979 Big Red Vintage Crewneck Sweatshirt

The Story
In 1971, the folks behind WKU athletics created the iconic WKU towel logo. After a few years, it became clear the University needed a mascot to cheer on the Hilltoppers. Being the Hilltoppers, and having Diddle's iconic towel as a logo, something had to be created, so a business major from Cincinnati names Ralph Carey and a small group of administrators got to work. Mr. Carey had worked at King Island Amusement park and drew inspiration from the Hannah Barbara characters that lived in the park. He knew how to operate and maintain those mascot costumes, so it was natural fit to design something inspired by his time at the Amusement Park. On December 1, 1979 Big Red as it was aptly named made it's debut at Diddle Arena to a crowd of over 10,000 Hilltoppers fans and has since become one of the most beloved mascots in college sports. 

The Ware
Our standard fit Bluegrass Soft™ crewneck sweatshirt. Made from a ringspun cotton/poly blend material, banded at the waist for an old school look. Designed, printed, and finished at the SLK Factory in Lexington, Kentucky.