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University of Michigan Nickname: Wolverines
If you’re ever watching the television program “Unsolved Mysteries,” don’t be surprised if the University of Michigan
nickname isn’t examined. Since the earliest memories of Michigan athletics, its teams have been known as the
Wolverines. However, there is no known reason why this animal was ever associated with the university. There has
never been a verified trapping of a wolverine inside the state, nor have there been any skeletal remains of a wolverine
found that would suggest a history with the state.
The nickname topic has been debated through the years. Legendary Michigan football coach shared his theory when
he wrote about the subject in the 1944 Michigan Quarterly Review. Yost thought the nickname evolved from the trading
of wolverine pelts at a Sault Ste. Marie trading station. The fur traders may have referred to the Michigan trappers as
“Michigan Wolverines.” This fact would have led to the state nickname and eventually to the University.
Albert H. Marckwardt described another theory eight years later in the 1952 Michigan Quarterly Review. His thoughts
focused on when the French first settled Michigan in the late 1700s. Their appetites were so gluttonous or “wolverine-
like” that the wolverine name was given to them.
A border dispute between Michigan and Ohio in 1803 is the catalyst for the third nickname theory. While the two sides
fought over the proper establishment of the state line, the Michiganders were said to have called themselves
wolverines for their fierce negotiating skills. The Ohio version leaned more to the wolverine name being more
associated with gluttonous “wolverine” habits of the Michigan natives.
If you’re ever watching the television program “Unsolved Mysteries,” don’t be surprised if the University of Michigan
nickname isn’t examined. Since the earliest memories of Michigan athletics, its teams have been known as the
Wolverines. However, there is no known reason why this animal was ever associated with the university. There has
never been a verified trapping of a wolverine inside the state, nor have there been any skeletal remains of a wolverine
found that would suggest a history with the state.
The nickname topic has been debated through the years. Legendary Michigan football coach shared his theory when
he wrote about the subject in the 1944 Michigan Quarterly Review. Yost thought the nickname evolved from the trading
of wolverine pelts at a Sault Ste. Marie trading station. The fur traders may have referred to the Michigan trappers as
“Michigan Wolverines.” This fact would have led to the state nickname and eventually to the University.
Albert H. Marckwardt described another theory eight years later in the 1952 Michigan Quarterly Review. His thoughts
focused on when the French first settled Michigan in the late 1700s. Their appetites were so gluttonous or “wolverine-
like” that the wolverine name was given to them.
A border dispute between Michigan and Ohio in 1803 is the catalyst for the third nickname theory. While the two sides
fought over the proper establishment of the state line, the Michiganders were said to have called themselves
wolverines for their fierce negotiating skills. The Ohio version leaned more to the wolverine name being more
associated with gluttonous “wolverine” habits of the Michigan natives.
| University of Michigan Traditions Discover the story behind the Wolverines nickname, winged helmets, the fight song and more! |
Michigan Mascot: Wolverine
National championships might be an annual event for the Michigan football team if they could match the relentless
ferocity of the animal that they're named for. The wolverine is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "A dark
shaggy-coated American flesh-eating mammal related to the sables and noted for its strength and cunning." In other
words don't look for Disney to be featuring one anytime soon in animated glory.
Felding Yost searched far and wide to bring a wolverine to Ann Arbor once he saw Wisconsin bring a live badger
along with its football team in 1923. The former coach contacted 68 trappers, hoping that they could deliver a live
wolverine. When they failed he expanded his search to include a dead or live version of the mascot.
Yost finally made arrangements to pick up a mounted wolverine that eportedly owned by Michigan Senator, William
Alden Smith. What he found instead was a howling disappointment, since the stuffed animal was actually a coyote. A
mounted wolverine was finally found in 1924, but Yost continued his quest for a wolverine that could still inhale and
exhale.
The mission was completed in 1927 when 10 wolverines were shipped from Alaska to their new home at the Detroit
Zoo. What would soon follow squarely fit the old saying, "getting more than you bargained for."
On big game days, two of the wolverines were brought into Michigan Stadium and escorted around in cages.
However, with each passing game the animals grew larger and more ferocious. A bewildered Yost stated, "It was
obvious that the Michigan mascots had designs on the Michigan men touting them, and those designs were by no
means friendly."
Therefore, the idea of having wolverines at the stadium to inspire the football Wolverines came to a snarling halt with
the end of the 1927 season. While nine of the animals would maintain a permanent residence at the Detroit Zoo, one
of them would stay affiliated with the school. This wolverine was named "Biff" and he lived in a cage at the University's
zoo so that students could visit him.
Michigan's Uniform Traditions:
Winged Helmets
When considering Division I-A football helmet designs you
would be hard pressed to find one that has generated as much
curiosity as Michigan's winged helmet. Many fans have certainly
wondered j t what the helmet's design is supposed to symbolize.
When Fritz Crisler arrived in Ann Arbor as the new head coach in
1938 he brought with him from Princeton ideas for ellhancing
the helmet. He quickly transformed the black helmets into the
winged style that is now the most continually used design in the
Big 10.
Winged Helmets
When considering Division I-A football helmet designs you
would be hard pressed to find one that has generated as much
curiosity as Michigan's winged helmet. Many fans have certainly
wondered j t what the helmet's design is supposed to symbolize.
When Fritz Crisler arrived in Ann Arbor as the new head coach in
1938 he brought with him from Princeton ideas for ellhancing
the helmet. He quickly transformed the black helmets into the
winged style that is now the most continually used design in the
Big 10.
Crisler not only made a fashion statement with the new headgear, but the change also helped to elevate the teams
passing success. "There was a tendency to use different-colored helmets just for receivers in those days, he said. "I
always thought that would be as helpful for the defense as for the offense," Crisler added. The thought proved to be
no "passing fancy" as Michigan doubled it passing yardage while nearly cutting its interceptions in half that season.
Maize and Blue Uniform Colors
The uniform itself has evolved through the years. The first uniform in 1879 included white, close-fitting canvas, with
blue stockings and a belt. Soon after, the school made the switch to blue jerseys with gold numerals, which they used
for every game through the 1927 season. That tradition was sunk in 1928 when Michigan played Navy. The
Midshipmen refused to change their jerseys so the Wolverines donned bright yellow jerseys with blue numbers.
Michigan wore a white jersey on the road for the first time in 1949.
passing success. "There was a tendency to use different-colored helmets just for receivers in those days, he said. "I
always thought that would be as helpful for the defense as for the offense," Crisler added. The thought proved to be
no "passing fancy" as Michigan doubled it passing yardage while nearly cutting its interceptions in half that season.
Maize and Blue Uniform Colors
The uniform itself has evolved through the years. The first uniform in 1879 included white, close-fitting canvas, with
blue stockings and a belt. Soon after, the school made the switch to blue jerseys with gold numerals, which they used
for every game through the 1927 season. That tradition was sunk in 1928 when Michigan played Navy. The
Midshipmen refused to change their jerseys so the Wolverines donned bright yellow jerseys with blue numbers.
Michigan wore a white jersey on the road for the first time in 1949.
| Michigan soon made a "heady" fashion statement when Fritz Crisler arrived in 1938 |
Wolverines Gameday tradition: Go Blue Banner
One of UM's traditions is the exciting entrance they make into
the stadium. entrances in college football, the GO BLUE
banner has been a staple at Michigan football games since
1962. This tradition has been performed by the Wolverines
for nearly 50 years prior to the kickoff of every game at the Big
House. After exiting the locker room, the team comes down
the tunnel in unison. From that small hole at midfield, all the
players can view is the large 30 by five foot banner that
extends across midfield. On the directive, the players and
staff run toward the banner that reads, "Go Blue - M Club
Supports You"
One of UM's traditions is the exciting entrance they make into
the stadium. entrances in college football, the GO BLUE
banner has been a staple at Michigan football games since
1962. This tradition has been performed by the Wolverines
for nearly 50 years prior to the kickoff of every game at the Big
House. After exiting the locker room, the team comes down
the tunnel in unison. From that small hole at midfield, all the
players can view is the large 30 by five foot banner that
extends across midfield. On the directive, the players and
staff run toward the banner that reads, "Go Blue - M Club
Supports You"
| The Big House rocks when Big Blue makes their entrance into the stadium. |
Michigan Wolverines Fight Song: "Hail to the Victors"
This fight song is synonymous with Michigan's winning tradition and is one of the most recognized throughout the
country. Many opposing teams have heard it time and time again after a Wolverine score.
The first notes of this tune were first hummed after a Michigan come from behind win over the Chicago Maroons in
1898. Louis Elbel celebrated the victory that day at Chicago's Marshall Field. On his walk back to a relatives house
where he was staying, he thought about something that was missing from the post game celebration. Michigan
he decided, didn't have the right celebration song. The melody of the refrain for the "Victors" came to him while he
continued walking and the sounds of a Michigan victory were headed down a new path.
Before a year had passed the song had evolved into a piece that was played by a 23 instrument band. The song
continued to reach higher notes as it was played at the University's Minstrels concert in April 1899. This also
marked the first time that the words were sang in public.
For the first time one month later "The Victors" was played for its original purpose as 1,500 Michigan students
welcomed back the baseball team. After concluding a successful trip out east the team arrived at the railroad
station. From there the team was escorted to the Law Building on a hay wagon while the band played "The
Victors" as many students sang along.
The Michigan band first started with nine men in 1844 and debuted on the grid iron in 1898. Many notable
accomplishments have been "scored" by the musical group through the years.
The tremendous tradition of Ohio State's band dotting the "1" got its first start when the Wolverine band performed
the "Script Ohio," honoring its opponent in a 1932 game.
Michigan's band was dubbed "The Trans continental Band" after appearing at both Yankee Stadium and the Rose
Bowl during the 1950 season and capped off a "super" season in 1973 by being the first college band to perform
in a Super Bowl.
This fight song is synonymous with Michigan's winning tradition and is one of the most recognized throughout the
country. Many opposing teams have heard it time and time again after a Wolverine score.
The first notes of this tune were first hummed after a Michigan come from behind win over the Chicago Maroons in
1898. Louis Elbel celebrated the victory that day at Chicago's Marshall Field. On his walk back to a relatives house
where he was staying, he thought about something that was missing from the post game celebration. Michigan
he decided, didn't have the right celebration song. The melody of the refrain for the "Victors" came to him while he
continued walking and the sounds of a Michigan victory were headed down a new path.
Before a year had passed the song had evolved into a piece that was played by a 23 instrument band. The song
continued to reach higher notes as it was played at the University's Minstrels concert in April 1899. This also
marked the first time that the words were sang in public.
For the first time one month later "The Victors" was played for its original purpose as 1,500 Michigan students
welcomed back the baseball team. After concluding a successful trip out east the team arrived at the railroad
station. From there the team was escorted to the Law Building on a hay wagon while the band played "The
Victors" as many students sang along.
The Michigan band first started with nine men in 1844 and debuted on the grid iron in 1898. Many notable
accomplishments have been "scored" by the musical group through the years.
The tremendous tradition of Ohio State's band dotting the "1" got its first start when the Wolverine band performed
the "Script Ohio," honoring its opponent in a 1932 game.
Michigan's band was dubbed "The Trans continental Band" after appearing at both Yankee Stadium and the Rose
Bowl during the 1950 season and capped off a "super" season in 1973 by being the first college band to perform
in a Super Bowl.
