Hilltoppers Primary Logo

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers have been proud members of the NCAA for over 100 years, and their primary logo has long served as an iconic symbol of the school’s rich history. The original design was created in 1922 by then-athletic director E.A. Diddle and featured a hilltop with two crossed swords below it—a nod to the school’s military background at that time.

In 1941, WKU changed its primary logo to one featuring an abstract “WKU” lettering inside a shield shape surrounded by four stars—symbolizing each year of competition in college sports since 1876 when WKU first began competing athletically against other schools outside its own conference (the Ohio Valley Conference). This version remained unchanged until 1997 when WKU adopted its current look: red script letters spelling out “Hilltoppers" above three white stars on top of blue mountains representing Western Kentucky University's picturesque location atop "The Hill."

In recent years, there have been several variations on this classic design including special edition logos for football bowl games or commemorative events like Homecoming or Military Appreciation Day; however, none can compare to the timelessness and tradition embodied within the original design from 1941 which remains today as one of college athletics' most recognizable symbols!