Prior to 1891, Purdue University's football teams were called such names as the "Cornfield Sailors", "Blacksmiths", "Pumpkin Shuckers", "Hayseeds", "Farmers", and "Rail Splitters". The nickname "Boilermakers" emerged as a term of mockery by a rival school to describe Purdue athletes. Needless to say, the "Boilermaker" name caught on with Purdue players and has been the nickname of athletic teams ever since. For over 40 years, "Purdue Pete", the costumed mascot, and the train, the "Boilermaker Special", have symbolized Purdue's invincibility, immortality, and ingenuity.