LSU’s Mike the Tiger, Syracuse’s Otto the Orange, Alabama’s Big Al, South Carolina’s Cocky, Florida’s Albert and Alberta Gator- What do these mascots have a common? They are some of the biggest, most flamboyant, college mascots in the country! Becoming a mascot at your high school or college is not that simple, especially taking responsibility of the big gun suits. A mascot is a form of a person, animal, or object that represents a team, group, or school. A mascot’s job is to make a complete fool out of himself (or herself) to get the school into “intense team pride mode.” Even though the mascot life can be luxurious and amusing, there are some tasks you have to complete before becoming one. It is mandatory for the mascot to have a flexible schedule and be at every pep rally, game, and charity event. Students that have the position have to keep their identities a secret. Entering the mascot life, you are now considered a type of “Bruce Wayne.” You are the superhero now, living two lives. Mascots are required to be highly energetic and be in their best shape; you should be able to lift 50 pounds or more. They are required to be around 5’6”- 5’8”. Now you’re asking… who would want to become a mascot?

Mascots can get partial to full rides to the schools they desire. However, mascots have to go through try-outs. At the try-outs they are required to do a skit where they have to show their emotions and reactions, their dance moves, and how well they can keep in character.  They also are judged by the way they communicate with the rest of the cheerleading team, which means they have to get along and be able to work with the team. Mascots are limited to some stunts and dance moves because of their suit, which makes try-outs more difficult. They are also required to go to mascot camp, where they can increase their skills in mascoting. These mascot camps last for about three weeks. Mascot scholarships can range from $2,500 to a full ride, depending on what school you attend. If you become a mascot at a Division 1 school, you more likely to have access to a full ride than if you mascot for a Division 2 or 3 school. So, make sure you create a successful mascot career.

As you can see mascoting is not a joke. It is a serious responsibility a person has to take on. Once you are in that suit, you are no longer yourself. You represent the school, you run the school. You are the mascot.

* photo via Google Images under the Creative Commons license