The University of Kentucky's athletic teams have been called "The Wildcats" since the name originated in 1909. The "Wildcats" name emerged when Kentucky beat Illinois, 6-2. Commander Corbusier, head of the military department declared, "they fought like wildcats." The name caught on with UK students and press, and the "Wildcats" name and mascot are now synonymous with all University of Kentucky athletics. The Wildcat mascot originated during the 1976-77 academic year at UK. Gary Tanner was the original Wildcat, dancing and entertaining thousands of UK fans at Commonwealth Stadium and Rupp Arena during athletics events.