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 fourth of four regions, the Genesee 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.
Ellsworth – Brockport | Hugo – New Paltz | Pawz – Erie CC | Victor E. Knight – Geneseo | Fred BlueDevil – Fredonia | Mustang – Morrisville | Baxter – Binghamtom | Orvis – Alfred State | Rocky – Rockland CC | Finn – Suffolk CC
Ellsworth – Brockport
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Ellsworth the Eagle, and I soar above the competition.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Birdhouse construction.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Being seen without my feathers.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
All the other fowl of the air, birds of a feather flock together.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
I enjoy flying along the beautiful Erie Canal.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Every winter, I fly south during intersession. This year I accompanied the swim team on their annual training trip to Puerto Rico.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
I love resting my wings, kicking my talons up and exploring nature on Planet Earth.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Jimmy Z’s, home of the best garbage plate.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
“I Believe I Can Fly,” of course!
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Speed 101. Since I can reach speeds up to 150 miles per hour, I needed some help honing my talents.
Hugo – New Paltz
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Hugo the Hawk, and I spend my time rooting for the New Paltz Hawks athletics teams and hyping up the crowds at games. In my spare time, I fly around the mountains and keep a watchful eye on the New Paltz campus.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Before I was hired as the Hawks’ mascot, I was working for the Seahawks in Seattle. The west coast is nice, but my heart is here in New Paltz.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
I had a feather out of place during my big photo shoot for MascotMadness. How silly of me!
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Though we faced off in a bitter battle of the birds in a past SUNY MascotMadness contest, I think Ellsworth the Eagle and I would probably get along quite well.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, obviously!
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I’m a big fan of the movie “Hugo,” which inspired me to study abroad in Paris.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
“Wings”
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Taco Shack in New Paltz.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
FREEBIRD!
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I always enjoyed the courses with lab rats — so I could eat them after class, of course.
Pawz – Erie Community College
1) Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Pawz and I cheer on the Erie Community College Kats.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Buffalo Zoo, two shows daily during the week, three shows on weekends.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
When the Kats lost to the Kittens, that should never happen.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Benji, Buffalo State’s Bengal, not only are we close to eachother, but our families always picnic together at NYS Parks during the summer.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
Niagara Falls for sure, so close to African Lion Safari where my brother Whiskerz works.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Africa, to learn more about my family’s ancestry.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Dora the Explorer.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Any restaurant that serves antelope and chicken wings.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
“Eye of the Riger” by Survivor.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
An online culinary course from Lions University.
Victor E. Knight – Geneseo
1) Who are you and what do you do?
Victor E. Knight, the SUNY Geneseo Mascot. My main role is to promote Geneseo spirit every Knight.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was a knight of the round table. Before that I studied medieval art and literature.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
When I tripped and rolled down Cardiac Hill on campus.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Lucky the Bronco from SUNY Delhi and Ellsworth Eagle from the College at Brockport.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The mountains, the museums, the lakes, the food, the friends, and of course, Letchworth State Park.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Yes, I studied the architecture of castles in Ireland, Scotland, England and the chateaus in France.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Game of Thrones – “A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much.”
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
I have several. They are Aunt Cookies Sup Shop, Mama Mia’s Pizza, University Hots Geneseo, 82 Main Street, and Bar-Eat-O in Geneseo, NY.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
“A Hard Day’s (K)Night” by The Beatles.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Medieval Studies – Poetry and Cosmology in the Middle Ages.
Fred BlueDevil – Fredonia
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I am Fred, the mascot of SUNY Fredonia. I go craaaaaaaaaazy at home events.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I interned in Jersey with the pro hockey team there. Soon it became obvious that things would not work out because they are the Red Devils and I was born blue.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
I feel on my trident, if you will.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
They all would be, since I consider myself the Top Dog. I might go with one of the Red Dragons – Oneonta or Cortland – since we dish out the heat.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
Lake Erie in late summer. The steelhead are always biting.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Does Blazes count?
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Does Pat Damore still do that one show? The Commish with Michael Chicklis? Love the crime fighting.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
In my belly.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
“The Blues.” Ironic, isn’t it?
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Fitness with Jason Bischoff. Bench, curl, tris, repeat. I’m ripped, man.
Mustang – Morrisville
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I am the Mustang, the proud mascot of Morrisville State College. I really enjoy getting our students pumped up and ready to trample the competition. Seriously, even if the students aren’t athletes, I get them good and vicious. Sometimes it even scares me. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy a long trot in the Western Riding arena and then a nice soak in the cold saltwater spa at our state-of-the-art Equine Rehab Center. That’s right, we have a spa for horses. That’s how big a deal I am around here.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I spent my formative years roaming free around the fields in Central New York. One day, my dad said “Son, it’s time to put all this roaming behind you and find some gainful employment.” So, I did what anyone would do, I found a sweet gig at a college that embodies everything I stand for. The free spirit, ferocity and beauty of a mustang all in one place. So naturally, I ended up at Morrisville State College. I also worked a brief stint at a taco stand in New Mexico with my cousin Herb. It was a dark time.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
The key to messing up on the big stage is not to act like you made a mistake. So, one time at a basketball game I was getting the crowd revved up. While I was running down the bleachers I tripped and went head-over-tea kettle all the way to the court. Wanting it to seem purposeful, I proceeded to break dance right there on the floor. The referee whistled for me to get off the court, but I was in the groove. While doing the “worm” I was dragged off the court by three large but gentle individuals. Seriously, they had really soft hands. My antics helped though, as the other team was so mystified by my moves they lost all will to play. It all ended with an epic dance party.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Probably Ellsworth the Eagle, of SUNY Brockport. I like his taste in color and attacking on land and by the air is a pretty sound strategy.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
I really enjoy trotting along the Chenango River as it winds through Central New York. In the fall, you would be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful and scenic place in the whole world! Plus, the grass along the banks is the sweetest you’ve ever tasted. Seriously, the wheat grass at Jamba Juice has nothing on that stuff.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I have studied a broad range of topics at MSC, if that’s what you mean. I’ve taken Hunt Seat and English Riding, creative writing, environmental science and crime scene investigation, to name a few. All things I”ll need when taunting our next opponent!
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
I should say Justified, because I’m a sucker for a Western, but I always come back to Mr. Ed. You know, the one with the talking horse? That show really broke open the barriers for us and showed the world that we could be funny and smart, as well as good companions. Ed also reminds me of my Uncle Bocefus. He lives in the woods near Morrisville and survives on twigs and berries. He says he’s the fairy captain of the enchanted forest. He’s an odd sort of fellow, but nice enough.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Listen, I’m a precision instrument of speed and power, so I don’t eat fast food that often. When I do, though, I grab an order of pork sliders from Stix at the MSC Iceplex. They are scrumptious, and help give me the quick energy I need to lead the charge! Also, I’m not a big fan of pigs. They’re sort of rude, and I don’t trust anything that eats with its mouth open.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
I enjoy an eclectic mix of alternative rock with hip hop components and a healthy dose of country thrown in there. Also a dash of trance, because, why not?
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I really enjoyed learning about my physiological makeup in equine rehab class. It really helped my training regimen and was the main reason I pushed from being simply amazing to the most incredibly strong and beautiful specimen in the world! I also liked computer programming.
Baxter – Binghamton
1) Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Baxter Bearcat and I’m the official mascot of Binghamton University. When I’m not winning Mascot Madness competitions (cough, twice in a row, cough), I attend campus events and make it my business to energize the Binghamton community!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I answered phones for the Admissions office for a day, but I don’t talk so that didn’t really pan out.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
One time I started a wave at a basketball game and it only went around our Events Center ten times.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Stinger the Hornet from SUNY Broome would be pretty cool to team up with. Binghamton schools, represent! I’d just have to watch out for that stinger. Ouch!
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The entire state is beautiful, but Binghamton – the Parlor City, the Carousel Capital of the World, a.k.a. the most magical place in the world — would have to be my favorite.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Yep! Binghamton offers tons of amazing study abroad programs — Peru, Ghana, Turkey, to name a few— and I’ve taken advantage of several. You’ve got to step outside your habitat now and then, you know?
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Breaking Baxter is my favorite. It’s about this ordinary bearcat that takes up mascotting to instill pride in a premier public university and he becomes the most powerful mascot in all of New York. Totally binge-worthy.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
The folks in the MarketPlace at Binghamton University make delicious food and prepare it fast. Yum!
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
That’s a tough one. Sometimes it’s hip-hop, sometimes it’s heavy metal. Umm, Taylor Swift?
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Crowd Excitement 101. Let’s just say I aced that one.
Orvis – Alfred State
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I am Orvis the Pioneer. I came to Alfred State in 2012 and have been the living in the hills of Alfred ever since. I cut wood and tend to my cabin in the day and when I hear the pregame music for Alfred State athletic events I run down the hill and lead the cheers, give high fours (wood cutting accident left me with four fingers), and just hang with my peeps.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was a body guard for the X Ambassadors. We parted ways because I got all the attention – Ladies dig my beard! I think X Ambassadors miss me based on lyrics of their song Renegades.
Long live the pioneers
Rebels and mutineers
Go forth and have no fear
Come close the end is near
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
I woke up one day and I was purple and gold instead of my normal blue and gold, my covered wagon was replaced with a horse, and instead of an axe I had cheesy armor on. Luckily it was only a dream!
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Victor E. Bull from Buffalo. He looks like a good time and he could help me as I cruise around western New York in my covered wagon.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
I don’t venture out of Alfred much but I enjoy visiting state parks like Stony Brook & Letchworth. Love to hike up and down the trails, jump in the pools, and shave underneath one of the waterfalls.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I haven’t left Allegany County much since I became the official mascot of Alfred State but when I was with the X Ambassadors we traveled the world but none of those stories are appropriate to share.
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
I have been looking for a soul mate to help me with the chores, cheer on the Pioneers, and to travel Allegany County with but I haven’t found the perfect mascot mate as of yet. To get pointers I watch reruns of shows like The Dating Game, Baggage, or Parental Control. I use some of the answers on my dating profiles on www.mascotmates.com and www.woodsmenonly.com
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
I am a big fan of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell because they are on campus. The best day is when I get to eat lunch at one and dinner at the other. Yo Quiero Taco Bell!
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Who wouldn’t get hyped listening to a song written about me – has to be “Renegades” by X Ambassadors.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
I took a Tree Climbing class at Cornell. We were taught how to understand the practical use of ropes and climbing gear while gaining personal confidence.
Rocky – Rockland Community College
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Rocky the Hawk and I rock the house, baby!
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
I was a fishmonger — I snared fish in the Hudson River and sold my catch to the Fulton Fish Market.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
When Colt from SUNY Orange beat me on a technicality in a “Battle of the Mascots” match race. I was disqualified for not touching the ground.
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
The Brockport Golden Eagle. My ideal non-SUNY sidekick would be the Phillie Phanatic. He’s a riot.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The Lower Hudson Valley. Taking flights of fancy as I glide above the Hudson, admiring the breathtaking view on both sides of the river.
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
I studied the Rockettes, does that count?
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Nature on PBS. Reality TV at its finest.
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Harriman State Park. Loads of little critters to feast on.
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
If I didn’t say “Gonna Fly Now,” I would never hear the end of it from my fan club.
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Ornithology 101/Birds of Prey.
Finn – Suffolk Community College
1) Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Fineas, aka Finn. I am the first-ever Shark mascot at Suffolk County Community College and I cause a frenzy wherever I go! I’m quite the celebrity.
2) Where did you work before you were hired as a mascot?
Red Lobster, but I was let go…something about missing tuna.
3) What is your most embarrassing mascot moment?
Being schooled by a 10 year old…
4) Which mascot would be your SUNY sidekick?
Wolfie from Stony Brook University, we share the love of the sea.
5) What is your favorite part of New York State?
The beaches, of course!
6) Have you ever studied abroad?
Why would I ever leave New York?
7) What TV show could you watch all day?
Shark Tank, my cousin Mark Cuban is the best “shark” on the show!
8) What is your favorite fast food spot?
Mickey D’s, Filet-o-fish rules!!
9) What song/music do you listen to in order to get hyped for an event?
Metallica’s Enter Sandman, just watch my big debut!
10) What is the best class you ever took?
Musical Theater.
