Western Kentucky University's unique "Red Towel" tradition originated with the late E.A. Diddle, one of
the most successful coaches in history.
Through 1,062 Hilltopper basketball games, Diddle clutched a red towel. He chewed on it, threw it, cried on it, waved it at fans and used it to signalhis players.
Though Mr. Diddle has been identified primarily with Hilltopper basketball, he actually coached four different sports during his long and illustrious tenure on the Hill, including football, baseball, and women's basketball. Overall, the four sports he coached were a combined 1,040-487-5 - that's a 68 percent success ratio!
The Red Towel became synonymous with Coach Diddle and he became synonymous with Western's outstanding athletic heritage. And, now fans at Hilltopper sporting events wave red towels as they cheer for "Big Red."
The concept of WKU's Red Towel athletics logo was developed by former Hilltopper athlete, coach, and athletics director John Oldham in 1971.
Dr. Chuck Crume, a long-time faculty member in the Department of Physical Education and Recreation, and a well-known wildlife artist, rendered the original artwork for the logo.