Purdue Boilermakers

BOILERMAKER SPECIALS AND PURDUE PETE & ROWDY

Hailed as the world's largest college mascot, the Boilermaker Special V is a 9,000-pound, 23-foot vehicle designed to look like an old-time locomotive. The idea to create the mascot as a symbol of Purdue's invincibility and ingenuity first developed in 1939. Since then four Boilermaker Specials have preceded the current one that made its debut at the Sept. 25, 1993, Notre Dame game. Wherever it travels, the heavy mascot serves a reminder of the traditions that are loved most by Purdue alumni and fans.

Besides making a statement in Purdue athletics, Jan Winger, who serves as an advisor to the school’s mascots and cheerleaders, says that the Boilermaker Special also makes different ‘special’ appearances.

“People get it for weddings and have their wedding party ride on it if they’re Purdue alums,” said Winger. “It’s very nice and offers padded seating throughout.”

A smaller version of the Boiler Maker Special keeps Purdue traditions rolling along at the school's Ross-Ade Stadium. Unveiled at the University's 1996 homecoming game against Ohio State, the Boilermaker X-tra Special helps the Purdue squad build up steam as it leads them on to the field.

Another mascot, Purdue Pete, was born into the Boilermaker family in the late 1950s. He comes to life at Purdue athletic events with the help of the four men who are selected to divide the donning of the Purdue Pete costume throughout the year.

Jake Nichols, who served as one of four Purdue Petes during the 1998 season, said that appearing as the mascot is the ultimate thrill.
“It’s an unbelievable experience, to be an icon and represent such an incredible school that’s in the Big 10 and nationally known,” he said. Pete is just a cool dude and its just a neat time to be in front of those fans and to have fun.”

The outfit's main feature is the Purdue Pete larger than life head, which resembles the character featured by the Big Boy Restaurant chain. To add Boilermaker flair, the costume is topped by a hard hat with P centered on the front. It's hard to find Purdue Pete without his sledgehammer that perhaps symbolizes the university's desire to pound their opponents into submission.

The arrival of a new mascot named Rowdy in 1997 added to the Boilermaker mascot family. Looking like he was made for the Macys’ Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rowdy looks like a big balloon that stands nearly 10-feet tall. While there’s no hint of occupancy in Rowdy’s costume, there actually is a person adding life to the character.

“Rowdy is the little kid that always wanted to be a Boilermaker,” said Nichols. “I guess you could say that he’s Purdue Pete’s little brother. He’s just kind of a little kid in a very big body.”