Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Logo PNG
The abbreviation of the name, forming an original and recognizable sign, the logo of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, distinguishes the athletes of Bethune-Cookman University’s athletic department. The brand colors and graphics reference the history of visual design, with the monogram concealing the outline of a wild cat’s head.
Bethune-Cookman University began in 1904, when Mary McLeod Bethune opened a school in Daytona Beach with $1.50. In 1923, it merged with the Cookman Institute of Jacksonville to form Bethune-Cookman College and expand its athletics program. The “Wildcats” name appeared during this period.
Teams spent decades in the NAIA before moving to the NCAA. In 1979, football joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and by 1980, most MEAC programs had entered Division I.
Football shaped the program’s identity. Larry Little, who played from 1964 to 1967, later won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As head coach, he led the team to a MEAC title in 1984.
Rashean Mathis set FCS records for interceptions and won the Buck Buchanan Award in 2002. Nick Collins became a Super Bowl XLV champion with the Green Bay Packers. More than 30 players reached the NFL.
Under Brian Jenkins, the team won four MEAC titles between 2010 and 2014 and made several FCS playoff appearances.
Under Mervyl Melendez, baseball won multiple MEAC titles from 2000 to 2011. In 2005, softball reached the NCAA Super Regional after earning an at-large bid.
The university granted it status in 2007. In 2021, the program moved to the Southwestern Athletic Conference, continuing rivalry with Florida A&M University in the Florida Classic.
Meaning and History
The 2000 logo of this sports division features a wildcat, the mascot of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. It conveys aggression through a threateningly open mouth, warily flattened ears, and four sharp fangs. The beast is extremely determined and ready to pounce on the enemy at any moment. This version uses white and light brown, with a gradient transition to yellow. The logo’s style is interesting: the brand name resembles a stencil on a light background.
The 2016 emblem is more elegant. It is a monogram of intertwined “C” and “B” letters, taken from the name of Bethune-Cookman University. The designers tried to maintain recognizability from the previous version, so the stylized abbreviation still shows the outline of a wild cat’s head with an open mouth. The color combination is burgundy and gold.
What are the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats?
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats are the sports division of Bethune-Cookman University. They are located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and include 15 student teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. They compete in NCAA Division I FCS. The most successful sports are football, basketball, and baseball.
2000 – 2015
2016 – today
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Football
The university’s football team was formed in 1925. It competes in the Football Championship Subdivision, part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The team hosts home matches at Daytona Stadium, and its head coach is Terry Sims.