Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Color Codes

Primary Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Color Codes

RED
PANTONE: PMS 186
HTML/HEX COLOR: #C60C30;
RGB(198,12,48)
CMYK: (0,100,75,4)

BLACK
PANTONE: PMS BLACK
HTML/HEX COLOR: #1E1E1E;
RGB(0,0,0)
CMYK: (0,0,0,100)

GRAY
PANTONE: PMS 422
HTML/HEX COLOR: #A2A4A3;
RGB(162,164,163)
CMYK: (16,11,11,29)

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Color Codes in RGB, CMYK, Pantone and HEX

Key Features of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Color Codes

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, representing Western Kentucky University in NCAA football, boast a rich and dynamic history that is as colorful as their striking team colors. The team’s primary colors are red, black, white, and silver, with specific shades detailed in their official color codes. These colors are not just part of their uniforms; they are a reflection of the team’s identity and spirit.

Team Colors and Logos:

• Red: PANTONE: PMS 186, Hex: #c60c30, RGB: (198,12,48), CMYK: (0,100,75,4)
• Black: PANTONE: PMS Black, Hex: #1E1E1E, RGB: (0,0,0), CMYK: (0,0,0,100)
• Gray: PANTONE: PMS 422, Hex: #A2A4A3, RGB: (162,164,163), CMYK: (16,11,11,29)
• The team’s logo evolved from a diagonal “WKU” to a red towel with a white “WKU” wordmark in 2003​​​​.

Historical Highlights and Achievements:

• Founding and Early Years: The team was first fielded in 1908 and began playing sanctioned games in 1913. M.A. Leiper and Roy Manchester were the first coaches, and L.T. Smith, for whom the Hilltoppers’ home stadium is named, coached the team in the early 1920s​​.
• Jack Clayton’s Era: Jack Clayton brought stability and success in the late 1940s and 1950s, leading the Hilltoppers to their first Ohio Valley Conference championship and first bowl appearance in 1952​​.
• Jimmy Feix’s Leadership: Jimmy Feix, the most successful coach in WKU history, led the team from Division II to Division I-AA, winning multiple conference championships and achieving runner-up honors in the NCAA Division II playoffs in the 1970s​​.
• 2002 National Championship: Under Jack Harbaugh, WKU won the Division I-AA National Championship in 2002​​.
• Transition to Division I FBS: The team moved to the NCAA Division I FBS level, joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2009 and later the Conference USA in 2014​​​​.
• Recent Developments: Under coach Tyson Helton, the team has seen a resurgence with a turnaround season in 2019, culminating in a win at the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl​​.

Uniforms and Equipment:

• The Hilltoppers have historically used various uniform colors, including occasional gray or black alternate uniforms. In 2016, they introduced new uniforms with design elements honoring legendary coach Jimmy Feix. The uniforms feature houndstooth designs, the university’s cupola, and inspirational phrases​​.
• In 2017, Nike became the official outfitter, introducing three new uniform sets. The designs incorporated innovative features like enhanced visibility of the “Hilltoppers” lettering during intense game moments​​.
• The 2023 uniform update featured a new striping pattern and larger decals on the helmets, emphasizing the team’s traditional colors and motifs​​.

Notable Players and Professional Success:

• Several Hilltoppers have made it to the professional level, including Tyler Higbee (Rams), George Fant (Seahawks, Jets), Forrest Lamp (Seahawks, Bills, Saints), and others who have been drafted into the NFL​​.

Rivalries:

• Historic rivalries have been a significant part of WKU’s football tradition. The most notable include:
  • Middle Tennessee State, dubbed “100 Miles of Hate”, reflecting the close geographical and competitive proximity of the two universities.
  • Eastern Kentucky, known as the “Battle of the Bluegrass”.
  • Murray State, with the unique “Battle for the Red Belt” rivalry​​.

Through their vibrant colors, storied history, and ongoing competitive spirit, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers continue to be a significant and dynamic presence in college football.

FAQ of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Color Codes