TCisMYhero
December 21st, 2007, 01:13 PM
It is finally hitting me that this thing is over. Just a few thoughts from gameday that I figured I'd share with those of you who are interested in the life of a mascot. This was my 4th and final year as T.C.
My favorite part of the game was walking through the tailgate crowds three hours before the game on my way into the dome. As the smell of hot dogs, burgers, and stale beer invaded my nostrils, there was nothing better than seeing a group of students playing bags with alums. Nothing will top homecoming this year when every lot was full of excitement for this team, and "Soulja Boy" could be heard in any tailgating lot that I entered.
I'm going to miss walking under the Dome-ination sign (160-42 home record or whatever it is) into the empty dome, looking up and imagining the crowd that would fill the stadium in only a couple of short hours. Saying hi to the various players that are in half-gear, walking on the turf that gives just enough under your feet, and getting all jacked up to be the face of a UNIversity will be fond memories. Getting to drive around to all the different tailgates once I was in suit was one of the funnest things about being a mascot, because everybody knows who I am, and everybody is friendly. I can't count on my hands and feet the number of times that an alum or student has offered me a burger, beer, or treat. I'll miss playing a game of catch with a young Panther fan, or telling the student who's had a few too many to go long and then setting the ball down.
Entering the dome after tailgating to a stadium that's about half full, looking up and seeing the student section already 2/3 full an hour before kick off, knowing that they would be instrumental to our team's success, made me tingle.
Following the National Anthem, the band lines up in a Human Tunnel, and those words from P.A. announcer Bob Justis's mouth make my hair stand on end. "Weather conditions at kick-off: Outside- 21 degrees. Winds out of the Southeast at 13 MPH, feels like 9 degrees. Inside, 72 degrees, no wind, WELCOME TO THE DOME!" *Cue Hell's Bells "Ladies and Gentlemen, a ferocious predator has been seen stalking the nation carrying a first in the nation rating and the Gateway Conference Championship, we caution you to watch for the Cat. Here come the Panthers!" I can't put into words the feeling of leading the football team onto Sheriff Field while the fans go crazy. Trying to put every ounce of my heart into one 50 yard run, I felt as though the faster I ran, the more energy I could get into the crowd. It's an adrenaline rush that I would compare to my bungee jump in Mexico. The feeling that we are all one, one body united, with the same burning desire for another Panther home victory, yearning to live to see one more game this season is something that I consider to be very special.
I'll miss getting on my perch in front of the band shaking my keys, stealing their cowbell, and having fun with them in general. I'll miss the kids after the games who want their picture with me, or an autograph. The relief of peeling off a sweaty stinky suit and being glad that the game is over is something I'll look back on and wish I could do one more time for the rest of my life.
Getting to be the face of my school has been something that I wouldn't trade for the world, and even though it takes up more time than you can imagine, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I never once tailgated as a student, stood in the student section as just a fan, or got to enjoy the game from the vantage point of a typical student, but that doesn't bother me one bit. This is a thank-you to all of the fans who made my job so much fun. I wish I could've celebrated a berth into the national championship with my fans on our home field, but that's something that hopefully somebody who steps into my shoes will get to do soon. Very soon.
Just a few memories that I wanted to share with you all, and hopefully you weren't too disappointed with them!
My favorite part of the game was walking through the tailgate crowds three hours before the game on my way into the dome. As the smell of hot dogs, burgers, and stale beer invaded my nostrils, there was nothing better than seeing a group of students playing bags with alums. Nothing will top homecoming this year when every lot was full of excitement for this team, and "Soulja Boy" could be heard in any tailgating lot that I entered.
I'm going to miss walking under the Dome-ination sign (160-42 home record or whatever it is) into the empty dome, looking up and imagining the crowd that would fill the stadium in only a couple of short hours. Saying hi to the various players that are in half-gear, walking on the turf that gives just enough under your feet, and getting all jacked up to be the face of a UNIversity will be fond memories. Getting to drive around to all the different tailgates once I was in suit was one of the funnest things about being a mascot, because everybody knows who I am, and everybody is friendly. I can't count on my hands and feet the number of times that an alum or student has offered me a burger, beer, or treat. I'll miss playing a game of catch with a young Panther fan, or telling the student who's had a few too many to go long and then setting the ball down.
Entering the dome after tailgating to a stadium that's about half full, looking up and seeing the student section already 2/3 full an hour before kick off, knowing that they would be instrumental to our team's success, made me tingle.
Following the National Anthem, the band lines up in a Human Tunnel, and those words from P.A. announcer Bob Justis's mouth make my hair stand on end. "Weather conditions at kick-off: Outside- 21 degrees. Winds out of the Southeast at 13 MPH, feels like 9 degrees. Inside, 72 degrees, no wind, WELCOME TO THE DOME!" *Cue Hell's Bells "Ladies and Gentlemen, a ferocious predator has been seen stalking the nation carrying a first in the nation rating and the Gateway Conference Championship, we caution you to watch for the Cat. Here come the Panthers!" I can't put into words the feeling of leading the football team onto Sheriff Field while the fans go crazy. Trying to put every ounce of my heart into one 50 yard run, I felt as though the faster I ran, the more energy I could get into the crowd. It's an adrenaline rush that I would compare to my bungee jump in Mexico. The feeling that we are all one, one body united, with the same burning desire for another Panther home victory, yearning to live to see one more game this season is something that I consider to be very special.
I'll miss getting on my perch in front of the band shaking my keys, stealing their cowbell, and having fun with them in general. I'll miss the kids after the games who want their picture with me, or an autograph. The relief of peeling off a sweaty stinky suit and being glad that the game is over is something I'll look back on and wish I could do one more time for the rest of my life.
Getting to be the face of my school has been something that I wouldn't trade for the world, and even though it takes up more time than you can imagine, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I never once tailgated as a student, stood in the student section as just a fan, or got to enjoy the game from the vantage point of a typical student, but that doesn't bother me one bit. This is a thank-you to all of the fans who made my job so much fun. I wish I could've celebrated a berth into the national championship with my fans on our home field, but that's something that hopefully somebody who steps into my shoes will get to do soon. Very soon.
Just a few memories that I wanted to share with you all, and hopefully you weren't too disappointed with them!