Mascot Madness is the contest to see who New York’s favorite college mascot is. But who exactly are these characters? What makes them tick? Here’s your chance to find out, as we help you meet the Mascots competing in Mascot Madness 2016!
Here we have the third of four regions, the Mohawk region. See what makes these professionals tick and how their personalities help them to keep the spirit going strong at their respective campuses. After reading about each, make sure to vote for your favorite in this year’s tournament.
Coby Tiger – Cobleskill | Walter – SUNY Poly | Stitch – FIT | Perseus – Purchase | Burghy – Plattsburgh | Damien – UAlbany | Blaze – Onondaga CC | Max Bear – Potsdam | Falcon – Dutchess CC | Wolfie – Stony Brook
Coby Tiger – Cobleskill
1) Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Coby T. Tiger and I am the mascot for SUNY Cobleskill.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I am afraid that I am not at liberty to discuss that at this time due to certain restrictions that were related to my position during that time. Let us just say that I was involved in government service in points unknown and leave it at that for now.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Well if you must know I got a little hungry during a time-out one afternoon during a men’s basketball game late in a season and took a bite out of one of our rival institution’s horse inspired mascots. I am extremely sorry for my actions but I must admit that it does make for a pretty funny video in retrospect.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
I am sorry but I do not play supporting roles and I definitely work alone. Tigers are solitary by nature and don’t mix very well with others so when it comes to the important things in life we tend to work as solo acts. In the mascot business it is much the same concept. When one works with a sidekick it tends to detract from one’s overall performance so I do not see the need for a sidekick per se. (Of course, if I am hungry during a game I may consider the concept.)
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
I absolutely love New York State because of diverse social and recreational opportunities one has here. I mean one can go hunting in the Adirondacks or the Catskills, spend some time locally spelunking at Howes Caverns, check out the ponies in Saratoga Springs during the racing season, hit the clubs in Manhattan for some music or dancing, do a little wine tasting in the Finger Lakes or perhaps partake in some wagering at one of the state’s premier casino/resort hotels. I am also an animal when it comes to professional sports so when the opportunity presents itself to sneak out to Buffalo for a Bills or Sabres game or to hit New York City to see a Yankees or Mets game or to attend an Islanders, Nets or Knicks game I am definitely interested. In short New York is a great place to call home for someone of my interests. But no matter where I roam in the state, I love Cobleskill the best.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Yes I have as a matter of fact on several occasions I have had the opportunity to study outside of the continental United States. I took an advanced stalking class in Thailand a number of years ago and last summer I was in Paris for a course in the preparation and consumption of exotic cuisine.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
There are two shows that I am absolutely addicted to these days. Tiger Team which airs on TruTV is extremely entertaining and of course I am a huge fan of Daniel Tigers Neighborhood on PBS.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
While I have been trying to eat healthier and cut down on fast food these days; Coby’s in downtown Cobleskill, New York is my all-time favorite fast food place during the day. (In the evening the menu changes over to more fine dining with an excellent selection of wines.)
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
There are three songs that I listen to in order to get myself ready for a home contest. First and foremost “Eye of the Tiger” by rock super group Survivor, then “Roar” by Ms. Katy Perry whom I think is just delicious and of course “Tiger Man” by the King, Elvis Pressley.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I took our Introduction to Asian Philosophy here at Cobleskill and it had a strong impact on how I look at the world. I have included the description below from our catalog.
PHIL 102 | Intro to Asian Philosophy (C)
This course will introduce students to fundamental philosophical questions concerning human existence; for example, the nature of knowledge, self and reality. In particular, students will study one of the most important focal points of Asian thought: the search for harmony in life at both the individual and social levels.
Walter – SUNY Poly
1) Who are you and what do you do?
That’s a little existential, don’t you think? Pass.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Birds R Us. It didn’t work out well.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Thinking that construction site was a big litter box.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
The MVCC Hawk. That guy looks tasty. … I mean fun. He looks fun.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
All the awesome high tech stuff going on at SUNY Poly. Cutting edge awesomeness. Well, either that or NY bagels.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I went to Cat Island in the Bahamas once. Was totally studying. Things like how much sun you need on one side before you flip over. Oh and good fish recipes too. That count?
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
I don’t do fast food anymore. Worked at a place in high school. Fur. Grease. Fryers. It was a whole big thing. I don’t want to talk about it.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows by Lesley Gore
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Ribbon dancing.
Stitch – FIT
1) Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Stitch, and I proudly represent the students, faculty and alumni of the Fashion Institute of Technology. Much like my fellow FIT Tiger family, I am a strong very fashionable feline. My stripes look great, from Broadway to the run way, or the athletic field. Since FIT adopted me, I love to cheer on my home team and I try to appear at every event to show my support for the school that took me in.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was in the chorus of Cats, the Broadway musical.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Have you ever gotten your tail caught in a subway door?
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
When I need a sidekick I know I can call on my tiger cousins from Erie, Clinton, or Cobleskill… Tigers stick together.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The Catskills, of course.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I loved going to Egypt to study ancient history. They worshiped cats!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Big fan of Project Runway, and I’m bingeing on Orange Is the New Black (I have matching colors).
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
We don’t eat fast food in NYC! We don’t have to: We have the most amazing restaurants and Top Chefs in the world. Also, it’s important I eat healthy and stay in shape so I can be in top form to support my FIT teams.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Katy Perry, “Roar.” Naturally.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I once took a Toy Design class where I 3D printed a whole “ambush” of tigers.
Perseus – Purchase
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a Panther – Perseus the Panther – and I root for Purchase College athletics 24-7! … Go Panthers!!!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Was a fill-in for the Carolina Panther in the NFL.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
When I forgot my jersey one game. I lose my Panther head sometimes.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Definitely SUNY Old Westbury. They’re the Panthers, too. Gotta stick together.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
It’s home.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
No, too busy hanging in New York. Best place on earth.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
SportsCenter. Made mascot highlights.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Any place that’s showing the big game.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Anything by Beyonce. Music to these Panther ears.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Circus Skills.
Burghy – Plattsburgh
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I am Burghy, the mascot for SUNY Plattsburgh. I fuel the stoke at Cardinal sporting events and inspire generations of students to be their best.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was not hired. I was born and raised on campus.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Forgetting my bird feed in the locker room before the big game against Oswego.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
I like to hang with Eddie Rondack from SUNY Adirondack. He lives near our branch campus in Queensbury.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The Adirondack Coast area that combines beautiful Lake Champlain and the nearby mountains.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I migrate regularly but have always studied at Plattsburgh.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Sesame Street, where my friend Big Bird lives.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Tim Hortons, Subway, or anywhere else on campus where I can get a quick bite to eat.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Dubstep, as well as the occasional Mariah Carey tune.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I am a part of every class on campus because I am the spirit of Plattsburgh.
Damien – UAlbany
1) Who are you and what do you do?
Damien the Great Dane and I’m UAlbany’s #1 Fan! I love getting the crowd pumped up!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Petco… It’s a dog thing
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
I don’t have embarrassing moments… only AWESOME ones!
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
I’m a Great Dane. I don’t do the whole Batman and Robin thing… I prefer to be Superman!
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The B-E-A-UTIFUL campus at the University at Albany
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I went to Stony Brook once out on Long Island. That’s a weird country!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Scooby-Doo… obvi! I also love the Westminster Dog Show!
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Any place with some HOT dogs! You see what I did there?
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Snoop Dogg and Lil Bow Wow are my boys!
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Intro to Being Awesome. I didn’t need to take it, but I figured it couldn’t hurt!
Blaze – Onondaga CC
1) Who are you and what do you do?
Blaze is my name. Getting people fired up is my game.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was a superhero in a galaxy far, far away.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
I don’t have one! I’m the fastest, smartest and strongest SUNY mascot.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
General Herkimer of Herkimer Community College. He has a big head and a big smile just like me and he’s just an hour away on the Thruway.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
Central New York, home of “The People’s College”… Onondaga Community College!
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Yes! I am a Rhodes Scholar. When I say I am the smartest mascot I mean it!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Jeopardy. It keeps me sharp mentally.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Starbucks! They are on our campus and I’m a regular there. Love to grab a sandwich and hot beverage when I’m out and about.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Thunderstruck, AC/DC
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Dental Hygiene. It’s how I keep my beautiful smile!
Max Bear – Potsdam
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Max C. Bear from Potsdam! I get the MAX level of team spirit from the crowd, baby!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Before I came to Siberia… err, I mean Potsdam… I was working as a professional fisherman, but they said that I was eating too much of the catch and they thought my annual hibernation vacation took too long!
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Way back in 1962, the students passed me over for my archnemesis, the Polar Bear. Luckily, that plan fell right through the ice! SUNY Potsdam made me the mascot the next year and the rest is history!
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
I’ve roomed with Roody Roo from SUNY Canton before, and since we’re buddies, I guess it would be him! He’s the Robin to my Batman, of course.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
I love my giant backyard, the Adirondacks. I go fishing and I climb the 46 High Peaks as a nice warm-up before games! I love to hunt Red Dragons and Bengal Tigers, who don’t belong anywhere in New York State.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I went to the original Potsdam in Germany one time, and they treated me like royalty!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
“Running Wild with Bear Grylls.” I always enjoy a good laugh… I could run circles around these guys!
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Potsdam has the No. 1 dining in SUNY, so I have got to give it up for numero uno. My favorite spot is Dexter’s Cafe… They make me my favorite snacks, hot and spicy Golden Eagle wings and Red Cardinal nuggets!
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
I have a couple songs that get me pumped… Can’t remember the name, but one goes: “Oh hot damn, this is Pots-dam. Keep on shoveling till the A-M!” The other one starts… “Brrr, it’s negative 30 in here. There must be a Bear in the atmosphere!”
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Ice skating! Does it count as a class if all you have to do is walk outside?
Falcon – Dutchess CC
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m the DCC Falcon. I feed on the insecurities of our opponents. And rodents … small rodents.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was a cashier at Pet Smart. It wasn’t a good match. Some of the customers thought I was for sale, in addition to the fact that I had trouble gripping coins.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Circling the field during a softball game and smashing into a fly ball.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
The New Paltz Hawk. We’re friends, just beak-cause.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
Hearing my “outdoor” voice echo in Howe Caverns.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Ballet in London. I was expelled after my talons punctured 57 pairs of slippers during my first semester.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Falcon Crest.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
I used to frequent Buffalo Wild Wings until one day the guy next to me at the bar had one too many IPAs and tried to dip my left wing in blue cheese.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Anything by the Byrds. Or Napalm Death.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Biology. Another student’s worm dissection assignment is my free appetizer.
Wolfie – Stony Brook
1) Who are you and what do you do?
Well I am the one and only Wolfie! I represent the pride and spirit of Stony Brook University by personifying the relationship between the student body, faculty and staff, athletic teams, and the Stony Brook fan base community!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Before I was hired, I worked at a restaurant as a server, but my fur kept getting into the food and my tail would hit customers in the restaurant so I was fired… President Stanley was kind enough to offer me a position and I have been here, happily, ever since!
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Oh I never get embarrassed! I just try to have fun no matter what I am doing and that energy transfers between me and the students of Stony Brook. I love the students and the students love me too much for me to ever feel embarrassed!
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
I think Baxter and I would get a long really well as partners! We know each other personally and always seem to get a long whenever we see each other. I plan on seeing him when our men and women’s basketball teams play Bing’s in the playoffs!
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
Well Stony Brook University of course! But specifically… probably Island Federal Credit Union Arena on game day. The energy and atmosphere on game day is electric!
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I have never been abroad, but I hope to be able to spread the spirit of SBU somewhere overseas if given the opportunity!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
“Behind the Mask”, hands down. It’s a show about mascots and what we do and what are lives are like on a daily basis. By watching the show you will be able to see into the lives of a mascot and see exactly what we do and how our passion drives us every day.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
The food truck during lunch time on weekdays outside the student union. Their avocado burger is on another level!
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Hahaha I actually have a whole playlist that gets me ready… some personal favorites from the playlist are…
(a) m.A.A.d. city – Kendrick
(b) numb/Encore – Jay Z and Linkin Park
(c) Friction – Imagine Dragons
(d) Monster – Kanye
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Best class I’ve ever taken…. I’m going to have to go with American History with professor Jared Farmer. He’s a great lecturer and the recitations are engaging and make the material so interesting.
