Purdue University's mascot, the Boilermakers, originated from a newspaper taunt in 1891 after a football victory against Wabash College. The nickname "Boilermakers" was intended to be an insult, referencing Purdue's focus on engineering and agriculture, seen as working-class professions at the time.

In 1891, according to the Purdue University website: "Under accusations of recruiting athletes from boiler shops, the 'Boilermakers' name is adopted for Purdue’s athletic teams. An 85,000-pound Schenectady No. 1 Locomotive engine is purchased."

A statue of John Wooden as a player ... When John Wooden played for Purdue, Mackey Arena didn't exist. Wooden, instead, played his games (1929-32) at Memorial Gym. With the Boilermakers, Wooden was a three-time All-American guard. In 1932, Wooden was ...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. − Indiana, Purdue basketball is coming home. The No. 4 Boilermakers buried upset-minded No. 12 seed McNeese State in the NCAA Tournament second-round Saturday at Amica Mutual ...