Hilltoppers Alternate Logo
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have a long and storied history of athletic excellence, but one thing that is often overlooked is their alternate logo history. From the early days of the school’s founding in 1906 to modern times, there has always been an alternate logo associated with this proud university. In this blog post, we will explore some of these logos and how they have evolved over time.
The first known use of an alternate logo by WKU was in 1925 when a shield-shaped crest featuring two crossed swords was adopted as part of its official branding efforts. This design featured prominently on all sorts of merchandise including pennants, posters, and other memorabilia for decades afterward until it eventually faded away from general use during the 1960s.
In 1967, WKU unveiled its now iconic red “W” emblem which became synonymous with the university for many years thereafter; however, it wasn't until 1984 that another alternative mark made its debut – a stylized version depicting two white horses galloping across a red background representing speed and agility (the “Running Topper”). The Running Topper would become increasingly popular throughout campus life before being retired in 2003 when yet another new look emerged: A fierce-looking Hilltoppers mascot head wearing sunglasses – nicknamed "Big Red" - complete with flames emanating from his eyes! This bold design remains today as one-half (of three) primary marks used by Western Kentucky University Athletics teams both at home & abroad to represent them proudly wherever they go!
Overall then, while much attention is given to WKU's traditional main logos over time there are several lesser-known alternatives that have also played important roles within their visual identity system since inception more than 100 years ago; each providing unique opportunities for fans & alumni alike to show off their allegiance towards such an esteemed institution no matter where they may be located around the world!
Hilltoppers Products
2017 - Present
A white with black trim hand waving a red towel with the initials ‘WKU’ in white with a black background on the towel. The hand is on the right side.
Added a white outline to the logo.
2017 - Present
The mascot Big Red greeting with initials “WKU” on the chest in white with black highlights and a white outline.
Added the white outline.
2016 - 2017
The mascot Big Red waving a red towel with the wordmark “TOPPERS” and with the initials “WKU” on the chest in white with black highlights.
Removed the grey outline.
2016 - 2017
The mascot Big Red greeting with initials “WKU” on the chest in white with black highlights.
The color grey was removed.
2016 - 2017
A white state of Kentucky with black trim and a star located at Bowling Green surrounded by a red towel with the initials ‘WKU’ in white with a black background on the towel. The hand is on the right side.
2016 - 2017
A white with black trim hand waving a red towel with the wordmark ‘TOPPERS’ in white with a black background on the towel. The hand is on the left side.
2016 - 2017
A white with black trim hand waving a red towel with the initials ‘WKU’ in white with a black background on the towel. The hand is on the right side.
2016 - 2017
A white with black trim hand waving a red towel with the wordmark ‘TOPPERS’ in white with a black background on the towel. The hand is on the right side.
2001 - 2016
A grey with black trim hand waving a red towel with the wordmark ‘TOPPERS’ in white with a black background on the towel and everything has a grey trim. The hand is on the left side.
2001 - 2016
A grey with black trim hand waving a red towel with the wordmark ‘TOPPERS’ in white with a black background on the towel and everything has a grey trim. The hand is on the right side.
2001 - 2016
The mascot Big Red greeting with initials “WKU” on chest in white with black highlights and grey outline.
2001 - 2016
A grey with black trim hand waving a red towel with the initials ‘WKU’ in white with a black background on the towel and everything has a grey trim. The hand is on the left side.
2001 - 2016
The mascot Big Red waving a red towel with the wordmark “TOPPERS” and with the initials “WKU” on the chest in white with black highlights and a grey outline.
2001 - 2016
A white state of Kentucky with black trim and a star located at Bowling Green surrounded by a red towel with the initials ‘WKU’ in white with black trim on the towel and a grey outline. The hand is on the right side.
1987 - 2001
The red towel logo with white and black trim block letters “WKU” and white highlights.
1984 - 2002
Staggered initials “WKU” in white with black trim.
1979 - 2001
The mascot Big Red waving a red towel with the initials “WKU” in white with black trim.
1979 - 2001
The mascot Big Red waving a red towel with the initials “WKU” featuring the split wordmark “BIG RED” on a white background. On a black circle with a wordmark, “WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY” and “HILLTOPPERS” in black arched around.
1979 - 2001
The original mascot Big Red greeting in red, black, and white.
