The Kansas State Wildcats are winning in style.
In addition to a number of dazzling plays, K-State's run in the 2023 NCAA Tournament has been highlighted by its gear. With a primary color of royal purple, the Wildcats have turned heads with apparel and uniforms that also feature shades of lavender as a complementary color.
During Kansas State's win in the Round of 32, coaches stole the show with lavender quarter zips that featured a retro-style logo on the chest.
Take a closer look at the Wildcats' gear and you may notice the letters "EMAW" are often present — four letters that, without context, may seem a bit confusing. What does "EMAW" mean? The Sporting News dives into one of K-State's oldest traditions.
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What does EMAW mean for Kansas State?
"EMAW" means "Every Man a Wildcat," which, according to the school, has been a popular slogan for decades.
Kansas State's athletic department adds that the slogan has the power to unify all fans as the phrase empowers them to declare that they are a part of the Wildcat nation.
The slogan was prominently featured on the left sleeve of the coaches' stylish quarter zips worn against Kentucky.
The next right thing#KStateMBB 7, UK 14 | 11:26 - 1H pic.twitter.com/W3H7azsaux
— K-State Men's Basketball (@KStateMBB) March 19, 2023
In addition to the coaches' gear, "EMAW" can be found on the waistband of the shorts on the Wildcats' retro-inspired uniforms.
Cats vs. Spartans
— K-State Men's Basketball (@KStateMBB) March 22, 2023
📰https://t.co/lobPlY0C66#KStateMBB x EMAW pic.twitter.com/3OHx9QdCZi
The slogan is a major part of the fabric of the school's athletic department as the team's Instagram bio reads "The Official Instagram of K-State Men's Basketball" along with hashtags #KStateMBB #EMAW.
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The school even sells hoodies that bear the message along with the primary logo.
Various sports will hashtag the slogan or use it within the copy in tweets, but the men's basketball team's Twitter tends to use the phrase more often than anyone else.
EMAW EMAW EMAW
— K-State Men's Basketball (@KStateMBB) March 19, 2023
As Kansas State's popularity continues to grow, the number of people rooting for them to go all the way could increase to the point where almost everyone would be a Wildcat.