The Warrior Wolverine
After a long and thorough student-prompted campus initiative, LC State announced on April 6, 2026, it will develop a physical mascot, with hopes of unveiling it as early as fall 2026. The Warriors, which remains the school’s official nickname, will be cheered on at events by a – wolverine.
A small working group is being formed to navigate launch logistics regarding the costume, operations, and management of the mascot.
Ten Reasons for Wolverine
- Overall Favorite: In the February poll, 44% of the 325 respondents voted in favor of wolverine (27% bighorn, 16% other, and 13% no mascot). In the January feedback request, 37% of the 290 respondents preferred wolverine (26% bighorn, 16% other, 12% kestrel, 10% mammoth). See chart below.
- Student Favorite: In the February poll, 43% of the 173 student respondents voted in favor of wolverine (24% bighorn, 17% other, 17% no mascot). In the January feedback request, 32% of the 142 student respondents said wolverine (27% bighorn, 16% mammoth, 13% kestrel, 13% other). See chart below.
- Task Force Favorite: After four months of research and numerous meetings, the 19-member task force – representing faculty, staff, alumni, athletics, and students – conducted an internal poll that showed wolverine as the favorite at 42% (bighorn 32%, mammoth 21%, kestrel 5%, other 0%). A second poll taken at the final task force meeting had wolverine as the favorite at 68%.
- Native to Idaho: Though small in number, North American wolverines are native to Idaho, where they survive and thrive mostly in remote, high-elevation alpine and subalpine environments, including in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
- Lewis and Clark Connection: In August of 1805 near Lemhi Pass, when Lewis and Clark first arrived in Idaho, Lewis encountered an animal he described as “of the fox kind” and with a “curious mixture” of colors. Lewis wrote that one of his companions shot at the mysterious creature and knocked it down, only to see it get back up and disappear from sight. Historians today believe the creature was none other than a wolverine.
- Small but Mighty: The wolverine epitomizes the spirit of the LC State Warrior through its ability to do big things despite being small. Wolverines are capable of taking on predators 20 times their size, just as Warriors are capable of facing and overcoming big challenges.
- Resilient: Through perseverance, LC State has survived and thrived since 1893. It has overcome fires, closures, and world wars. The wolverine has done its share of persevering as well, often overcoming harsh environments and larger predators like bears and wolves.
- Smart: Wolverines, like LC State Warriors, are considered exceptional problem-solvers. They’re adaptable and intentional, with great memories, careful strategies, and an incredible ability to learn.
- Fierce: Like LC State Warriors (especially in athletic competition), wolverines are a force to be reckoned with. Don’t let their size fool you. They’re strong, fearless, assertive, and determined. Those who underestimate them come to regret it.
- Warrior of the Animal Kingdom: Though many animals are larger and better known, through its tenacity, fearlessness, intelligence, and fierceness, there is no greater “warrior” in the animal kingdom than the wolverine.
Bonus: The alliteration of Warriors and wolverine will be conducive for branding.
Poll Results
