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‘Butch the Cougar’ immortalized at WSU Everett campus

Published 3:54 pm Saturday, August 24, 2024

By Michael Henneke

Washington State University alumni Randy Bolerjack holds his son William, 2, as he reaches out to touch the new cougar statue at the Washington State University Everett campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The statue is one of four newly erected cougar statutes on Washington State University satellite campuses. It is slightly smaller version of the original statue on the Pullman. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Washington State University alumni Randy Bolerjack holds his son William, 2, as he reaches out to touch the new cougar statue at the Washington State University Everett campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The statue is one of four newly erected cougar statutes on Washington State University satellite campuses. It is slightly smaller version of the original statue on the Pullman. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington State University alumni Randy Bolerjack holds his son William, 2, as he reaches out to touch the new cougar statue at the Washington State University Everett campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The statue is one of four newly erected cougar statutes on Washington State University satellite campuses. It is slightly smaller version of the original statue on the Pullman. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chancellor for Washington State University’s Everett campus Paul Pitre speaks at a celebration for the new cougar statue on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

EVERETT — Washington State University Everett dedicated its new Cougar Pride statue on Friday. the same day as the newly proclaimed “Cougar Pride Day” in Snohomish County.

Created by artists Mike and Chester Fields, the piece features “Butch the Cougar” returning home, symbolizing Cougar Pride. In addition to the original statue in Pullman, Everett becomes the last WSU satellite campus to have its own statue, including Spokane, Vancouver and Tri-Cities.

Donated by alumnus Gary Schneidmiller, the statue is a tribute to WSU’s live cougar mascot tradition, which has spanned over five decades. It’s named after former WSU quarterback Herbert “Butch” Meeker.

Each bronze Cougar is 10 feet tall, 6 feet wide and 12 feet long. Including the rock it stands upon, each statue at WSU satellite campuses weighs 2,500 pounds.

Michael Henneke: 425-339-3431; michael.henneke@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @ihenpecked.

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