In 1921 State College began wearing red sweaters and were referred to by the local media as the Wolfpack. The program, led by coach Harry Hartsell at the time, joined the Southern Conference that year and would win the conference title six seasons later under coach Gus Tebell, finishing the year with a 9–1 record. Running back Jack McDowall was the team's star player that year. The 1930 season saw the installation of field lighting at Riddick Stadium, as the Wolfpack defeated High Point University, 37–0, in the team's first ever night game.