The Panther evolution
The Panther evolution
From his debut in the 1930s, to the highly popular TC of today, UNI’s mascot has always been the school’s biggest fan. Take a walk through TC’s story and learn the background of “The Cat.”
1931
Burl Berry, ʼ32, submitted the winning entry to name the school’s athletic mascot, the Purple Panthers.
1957
The three-dimensional panther mascot made its debut at a basketball game.
1958
The panther was nicknamed Pepi Panther.
1960
Student John Shannon, ʼ63, took over the program and personally funded and constructed a new panther to resemble other state schools.
EARLY 1960s
Pepi began appearing at other events outside of athletic games.
EARLY 1970s
The panther took on another nickname, Rocky, because of its resemblance to a raccoon.
1973
The Pink Panther made its debut when UNI graduate Barry Delp, ʼ80, took the helm of the mascot program.
1976
Chuck Patten, ʼ61, wrestling head coach, allowed the Pink Panther to amp up the crowd with the mascot’s first pre-game introduction. Production included house lights off with a single spotlight on the mascot as the Pink Panther theme played.
EARLY 1980s
The new Black Panther was debuted by Steve Lorenz, ʼ88.
1985
Lorenz began to sign autographs as The Cat, and later shortened it to TC.
1990s
TC received a few makeovers throughout the decade, finally deciding on a slimmer, more athletic design. TC began to increase appearances throughout campus and the greater UNI community.
2001
TC made his first-ever appearance at the UCA College Mascot Championships and placed 12th.
2007
TC finished seventh overall at the UCA College Championships.
2010
TK (The Kitten), TC’s sister, made her inaugural appearance at the Homecoming football game.
2018
TC rappelled off a building to support Ronald McDonald House Charities and TC won the MVC’s Mascot Madness tournament.
2019
TC and TK visited the Mascot Hall of Fame.
2023
The Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau announced a project called “Panthers on Parade.” This is a project to bring statues of TC decorated by local artists to Cedar Falls. Making TC not only UNI’s mascot, but a symbol for the Cedar Valley.
