MANHATTAN, Kan. — At Kansas State, Phil the Bobcat, a stuffed, lifeless animal who sits perched on the team’s communication station, is a visual norm.
The taxidermied creature is a thing of superstition and apparent fortune for the Wildcats. He sticks out like a sore thumb from the press box and has the appearance of an uncombed rat from up close, but he serves a purpose. He was a show-stealer for the team during its bowl win over UCLA, and he brought a touch of good luck to Saturday’s win over Oklahoma State, too.
If you’re a Kansas State fan, player or coach, it’s apparently the equivalent of the OSU baseball cowboy hat.