Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
The Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs are the athletic teams that represent Gardner–Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Gardner–Webb participates in 21 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level. The school's programs are a part of the Big South Conference. Known as the Bulldogs going back to 1922, costumed mascots, registered athletic marks and Gardner-Webb University live mascots have all been featured.
| Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs | |
|---|---|
| University | Gardner–Webb University |
| Conference | Big South Conference (primary) SoCon (wrestling) ASUN (swimming & diving) |
| NCAA | Division I (FCS) |
| Athletic director | Andrew Goodrich |
| Location | Boiling Springs, North Carolina |
| Varsity teams | 22 |
| Football stadium | Ernest W. Spangler Stadium |
| Basketball arena | Paul Porter Arena |
| Baseball stadium | John Henry Moss Stadium |
| Soccer stadium | Greene–Harbison Stadium |
| Mascot | Mac the Bulldog |
| Nickname | Runnin' Bulldogs |
| Colors | Red and black |
| Website | www |
Athletic marks have been rebranded on at least three occasions. A hand-drawn mark was used in different variations between the 1960s–1980s. In 1987, a new logo was launched featuring a runnin' bulldog with a red jersey and arched lettering (representing the historic landmark -Huggins Memorial Arch). The initial design used the letters GWC (Gardner-Webb College). In 1993, that was changed to GWU, when Gardner-Webb gained "university" status. In April 2022, after eight-months of research and integration, the university launched its current mark, which serves as both a tribute to previous logos and a companion piece to our live masco "Bo."
Gardner–Webb has also produced many notable athletes and coaches, including: Artis Gilmore, Gerry Vaillancourt, John Drew, Eddie Lee Wilkins, Jim Washburn, Blake Lalli, Jim Maxwell, Gabe Wilkins, Cara Saunders, and Brian Johnston.