When did BYU Become the Cougars?

Last Modified Sep 28, 2023 06:51 GMT
Brigham Young University (BYU) Mascot
Brigham Young University (BYU) Mascot

Brigham Young University (BYU), located in Provo, Utah, is a prestigious private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Founded in 1875, it holds a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to the principles of the LDS faith.

BYU offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields, including business, education, engineering, humanities, and sciences. It is known for its rigorous academic standards, and students adhere to a strict honour code that includes abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and premarital sex.

The university's campus features stunning mountain views and state-of-the-art facilities. The Harold B. Lee Library is one of the largest academic libraries in the United States, providing extensive resources for research and study.

BYU's athletic teams, known as the Cougars, compete at the NCAA Division I level and have a strong presence in various sports, including football and basketball.

With a commitment to academic and spiritual growth, BYU provides a unique educational experience for students seeking to integrate their faith with their studies. The university's motto, "Enter to learn; go forth to serve," reflects its dedication to preparing students for a life of service and leadership within their communities and the world.

BYU Become the Cougars

BYU adopted the name "Cougars" in the 1920s when Eugene L. Roberts first introduced it. Initially, the name was applied to the football team, but during that era, it gradually became the official mascot and team name for all of BYU's sports teams. In 1924, live cougar kittens named Cleo and Tarbo were brought to BYU and used as mascots, further solidifying the association with the Cougars. Since then, BYU has proudly carried the Cougar name for its athletic teams, making it a long-standing tradition in the university's sports history.

Reason Behind BYU Become the Cougars

BYU became the Cougars due to the initiative of Eugene L. Roberts in the 1920s. Initially, the name was introduced for the football team, but it eventually became the official mascot and team name for all of BYU's sports teams. The choice of "Cougars" likely stemmed from the majestic and fierce qualities associated with this big cat, symbolizing strength, agility, and competitiveness on the field. In 1924, live cougar kittens named Cleo and Tarbo were brought to BYU to serve as mascots, solidifying the Cougar identity. Over time, this name has become deeply ingrained in BYU's sports tradition and represents the university's competitive spirit.

FAQs

A. BYU was founded on October 16, 1875.

A. The "Y" on the mountain stands for Brigham Young University and symbolises the university's spirit and tradition. It was built in 1906 and is illuminated during special events.

A. BYU adopted the cougar as its mascot in the 1920s due to its qualities of strength and agility, symbolizing competitive spirit. It was initially applied to the football team but later became the official mascot for all sports.

A. BYU's football team has won a total of one national championship, which was in 1984.

A. BYU's Honor Code is a set of standards and values that students and faculty are expected to uphold, emphasizing integrity, respect, and moral conduct in all aspects of life.

Related Stories

"Disgusting" "Why is Texas top 10": CFB fans blast AP Poll top 25 rankings after Week 5 of college football games "Disgusting" "Why is Texas top 10": CFB fans blast AP Poll top 25 rankings after Week 5 of college football games
"Disgusting" "Why is Texas top 10": CFB fans blast AP Poll top 25 rankings after Week 5 of college football games
"If you can't stop run, you're dead in the water": Former NFL star minces no words about Deion Sanders' big fumble against BYU in Week 5 "If you can't stop run, you're dead in the water": Former NFL star minces no words about Deion Sanders' big fumble against BYU in Week 5
"If you can't stop run, you're dead in the water": Former NFL star minces no words about Deion Sanders' big fumble against BYU in Week 5
1d
Heisman poll 2025 (Updated): Latest rankings, players list and more ahead of Week 6 games ft. Diego Pavia Heisman poll 2025 (Updated): Latest rankings, players list and more ahead of Week 6 games ft. Diego Pavia
Heisman poll 2025 (Updated): Latest rankings, players list and more ahead of Week 6 games ft. Diego Pavia
1d
“You should be practicing kiddo!”: CFB fans candidly react to Arch Manning's chill bye week before Florida clash “You should be practicing kiddo!”: CFB fans candidly react to Arch Manning's chill bye week before Florida clash
“You should be practicing kiddo!”: CFB fans candidly react to Arch Manning's chill bye week before Florida clash
17h
CFB coaches on hot seat: 4 candidates on verge of getting fired after Week 5 ft. Mark Stoops CFB coaches on hot seat: 4 candidates on verge of getting fired after Week 5 ft. Mark Stoops
CFB coaches on hot seat: 4 candidates on verge of getting fired after Week 5 ft. Mark Stoops
1d
"Everybody's angry. I'm angry": Brian Kelly expresses true feelings after LSU's loss to Lane Kiffin & team "Everybody's angry. I'm angry": Brian Kelly expresses true feelings after LSU's loss to Lane Kiffin & team
"Everybody's angry. I'm angry": Brian Kelly expresses true feelings after LSU's loss to Lane Kiffin & team
1d
Mark Gronowski injury update: CFB insider shares news on Iowa QB ahead of Wisconsin matchup in Week 6 Mark Gronowski injury update: CFB insider shares news on Iowa QB ahead of Wisconsin matchup in Week 6
Mark Gronowski injury update: CFB insider shares news on Iowa QB ahead of Wisconsin matchup in Week 6
12h
"They showed great resiliency": Kalen DeBoer gets Nick Saban's seal of approval after big win against Georgia "They showed great resiliency": Kalen DeBoer gets Nick Saban's seal of approval after big win against Georgia
"They showed great resiliency": Kalen DeBoer gets Nick Saban's seal of approval after big win against Georgia
16h
"TY Simpson finally getting some attention": CFB fans debate over latest Heisman poll ahead of Week 6 showdown "TY Simpson finally getting some attention": CFB fans debate over latest Heisman poll ahead of Week 6 showdown
"TY Simpson finally getting some attention": CFB fans debate over latest Heisman poll ahead of Week 6 showdown
1d
"We’re going to go on a dynasty run": Hollywood star refuses to give up on Arch Manning with bold prediction for Texas "We’re going to go on a dynasty run": Hollywood star refuses to give up on Arch Manning with bold prediction for Texas
"We’re going to go on a dynasty run": Hollywood star refuses to give up on Arch Manning with bold prediction for Texas
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications