There were some unusual names given to Nebraska football teams prior to 1900, including the Antelopes, and the Bugeaters, but also a slightly better one: the Old Gold Knights. Nebraska was in need of a new nickname, according to journalist Charles "Cy" Sherman, who later helped invent the Associated Press football ranking poll. Sherman liked the name Cornhuskers, which Iowa athletes were often called. In 1900, Sherman called Nebraska's athletic teams Cornhuskers for the first time, and the name quickly caught on. Nebraska's 1974 Cotton Bowl appearance gave rise to Herby Husker. Lubbock-based artist Dirk West created the character for Cotton Bowl press headquarters.