Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University Athletics has launched the Waldo & Ringneck Collection heading into the 2026-27 athletic year. The concept was born with Northern State football nearly five years ago on helmet decals to commemorate South Dakota's pheasant hunting opening day each year. The helmet decals grew to polo shirts, apparel, and golf balls at the annual football golf tournament, as well as game promotional giveaways prior to football home contests.
 
"What started as a way for our football program to celebrate South Dakota's pheasant hunting season quickly became something that resonated with fans across Wolves Nation," said Nate Davis, Director of Athletics. "The energy surrounding this mark has continued to grow over the years, and it's exciting to see that momentum lead to the launch of the Waldo & Ringneck Collection. This product line honors a tradition rooted with Northern State football, while further connecting NSU to the community and region we proudly represent."
 
With the launch, the Waldo & Ringneck Collection will be available for Northern State fans through apparel and gift wares available at the NSU Nike Team Store in the Barnett Center, Ken's Complete Sportsman, and The Swag Shoppe beginning Friday, August 21.
 
"Since the football team first dawned this concept on their helmets, there has been a buzz around the 'Waldo Pheasant' and the opportunity to further expand their vision with our licensing partner, Nexus, is truly something special," noted Ashley Gauer, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations. "Throughout the process I've been grateful to work with a talented designer who hand drew the pheasant, as well as our local partners The Swag Shoppe and Ken's Complete Sportsman. I am eager to see our fans in the Waldo & Ringneck Collection product line at our contests, special events, and throughout the region."
 
The collection of logos includes the Waldo with a pheasant in the mouth, as well as a full emblem design in both full color and 1-color options. The Waldo & Ringneck Collection blends tradition, community pride, and university identity into a distinctive design that celebrates Northern State and Northeastern South Dakota's rich heritage. At the heart of the mark is a creative fusion of the beloved retro "Waldo" mascot and a ringneck pheasant, paying tribute both to one of the university's most recognizable historical symbols and to Aberdeen's reputation as a premier pheasant hunting destination.
 
Framing the design is the university's name, Northern State, along with the Wolves mascot wordmark, reinforcing the institution's identity and athletic tradition. The inclusion of Est. 1901 serves as a reminder of Northern State University's longstanding legacy and more than a century of impact on students, alumni, and the broader community. By combining historic university imagery with a symbol uniquely tied to Aberdeen and northeastern South Dakota, the logo creates a meaningful connection between Northern State's past, present, and future while celebrating the community that has supported the university since its founding.
 

THE WALDO & RINGNECK COLLECTION

 

WHERE TO BUY

Official Nike Team Store   Barnett Center S State St.   Shop in Store on Gamedays   Shop Online at nsuwolves.com/shop

Ken's Complete Sportsman   2201 6th Ave SE Aberdeen, SD 57401   Shop in Store Everyday: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The Swag Shoppe   319 S Main St Aberdeen, SD 57401   Shop in Store Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Shop Online at 605swag.com/