Athletic Traditions
Why UVM?
UVM is a popular nickname associated with the University of Vermont. The initials come from Universitas Virdis Montis, which is Latin for University of the Green Mountains.
What is a Catamount?
On February 6, 1926, the UVM Cynic (the student newspaper) asked undergraduates whether they wanted a mascot and offered a ballot with lynx, wildcat, or other as options. They recevied a limited response. So, they tried again with a vote later in the year. Only male students were allowed to vote and the ballot this time included tomcat, camel, cow, or catamount. Catamount won by a vote of 138-126.
Since that vote in 1926, the University of Vermont athletic teams have been nicknamed the Catamounts after a legendary mountain cat found in the state's Green Mountains. The species is believed to be extinct in the state since the mid-1800's.
Just one other Division I school shares the Catamount nickname - Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
The UVM Fight Song
Vermont Victory
Let's fight for Vermont,
Let's fight for Vermont,
For our alma mater dear.
Let's fight for Vermont,
Let's fight for Vermont,
Whose teams have ne'er known fear.
We will tear up our mighty rivals,
And pile up score on score.
We're going to fight, fight, fight for old Vermont
For Vermont evermore!