Corky the Hornet debuted a new look during Emporia State University’s Homecoming game, adding another chapter to the nearly century-long evolution of the school’s beloved mascot. While the latest “enhanced” version celebrates ESU’s Year of Celebration, it also reflects decades of artistic vision and tradition that began with one student’s sketch in 1933.

Corky has evolved tremendously since he was first debuted in the 1930's.

A Mascot Born in a Student Contest

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The original Corky the Hornet designed by Paul Edwards in 1933.

Corky was originally designed in 1933 by freshman Paul Edwards, then an 18-year-old student at Kansas State Teachers College. The school held a contest calling for mascot designs, reprinting each entry in the student newspaper for voting. Although Edwards

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