NCAA Football Team History
West Michigan Broncos - 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became outdated when the University expanded beyond its hilltop confines.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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