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HOME ~ College Football History |
Buster
Bronco
Since 1988 Buster Bronco has been the official mascot of Western
Michigan University.
Although not sanctioned or governed by the NCAA, Buster is a part of the
cheer team. Buster can be seen at various events
 primarily athletic
related walking around showing his Bronco spirit. Please feel free to
approach Buster or have your picture taken with him at the events.
Puck Boy
Puck Boy has been a part of Bronco hockey for many years now. Puck Boy
enters the playing surface in between the 2nd and 3rd period of every
home hockey game ready to throw hockey pucks into the crowd. The crowd
who cheers the loudest will have a chance to catch the puck. The
incentive to catch the puck is because each puck is worth a free pizza.
Look for Puck Boy at a future Bronco hockey game and you may win a free
pizza.
Nicknames
Original Nickname: “Hill Toppers”
Prior to the current Bronco nickname (Broncos), WMU’s athletic teams
went by the nickname “Hilltoppers,” reflecting the institution’s
original Prospect Hill campus. The moniker often led to confusion with
other schools that had a similar nickname and became outdated when the
University expanded beyond its hilltop confines. The nickname "Hlltoppers“
was resurrected in 2001 to identify a new volunteer group that is
clearing and cleaning up Prospect Hill.
The Bronco Name
The “Broncos” nickname dates back to 1939 when the athletic board of
then Western State Teachers College adopted the nickname of “Broncos”.
The former name of “ Hilltoppers” was often confused with similar names
used by other colleges. Many suggested names were turned in for
consideration at the time.
The nickname “Bronco” was submitted by legendary WMU alumnus, John Gill,
who was then an assistant football coach under M.J. Mike Gray. Gill
later served as the Bronco head football coach and as WMU’s associate
athletic director until his retirement in 1969. The most popular Bronco
ever is “Buster Bronco,” the school’s official mascot. For his efforts
for giving WMU it’s current nickname, Gill was awarded a check for
$10.00 which he promptly turned over to the Waldo Stadium building fund.
Fight Song
Fight on, fight on for Western;
Take the ball, make a score, win the game.
Onward for the Brown and Gold;
Push 'em back, push 'em back, bring us fame.
Fight on, fight on for Western;
Over one, over all, we will reign.
Fight, Broncos fight!
Fight with all your might.
Western win this game!
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