Mascot Madness 2021 – Region 4: Meet the Competitors

It’s been a most unusual year, but Mascot Madness is back! From march 16 to April 7, 33 of our SUNY mascots are once again competing for the title of New York’s favorite college mascot.

Those lovable characters that help our schools and campuses thrive have been hard at work keeping students safe and happy from limited on-campus study to remote learning throughout 2020 and into 2021. What has kept them in top working condition this whole time? We’ve interviewed them all to get caught up with things like how each deals with school operations changing to what they hope for most in the future.

Below we end with Region 4.

Coby T Tiger | Stitch | Eddy Rondack | Burghy | Damien | Hugo the Hawk | Mo the Mustang | Oakie Acorn | Red

Coby T. Tiger – SUNY Cobleskill

1. Who are you and where do you work?
My name is Coby T. Tiger, and you can catch me roaming the beautiful hills of SUNY Cobleskill’s campus. I volunteer my time for SUNY Cobleskill’s awesome athletic department!

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I’ve put some serious miles on these paws. The Cobleskill campus is around 900 acres, and I have the run of the place, making sure everyone is enjoying themselves but social distancing, too. But during my off-hours, I tried to stay in shape by doing a little hunting, playing with the other animals on campus, and practicing my favorite Cobleskill cheers and dance moves so that I’m in shape when our games come back! Also, I love a good bath, so I hang out near the Schoharie Creek quite a lot in the warmer months.

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
I don’t think I could choose my favorite sport because I love watching them all. I do have to say I miss interacting with the student section at our games. Their energy levels always bring out my inner tiger!

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
I love watching Planet Earth. I even saw my uncle on there once. Some of my other favorites are The Jungle Book and, of course, Tiger King!

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
The quarantine meal I learned to make to keep me healthy and strong was Kraft Mac and Cheese in a box. According to Kraft, I am a family of four.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
My best tip is to make sure you are super comfortable. My must-haves are pajamas, plenty of Nutella (for my nutritional needs), and a blanket, so I am cozy for the duration of the class.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
I am looking forward to competing with our rivals SUNY Delhi and my cousin at SUNY Poly the most.

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
Tiger Woods, seeing as he is named after me. Or Tony the Tiger because he’s a living legend within the tiger community.

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Sticking together! Together we are Coby Strong! We’ve done an amazing job practicing and enforcing social distancing and safety for all of our students, staff, and community.

10. Share your favorite joke.
Why do tigers have stripes? Because they don’t want to be spotted.
 

Stitch – Fashion Institute of Technology

1. Who are you and where do you work?
Stitch from FIT!

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Expanding my ball of yarn collection.

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
Home volleyball matches in the gym.

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
During the pandemic, I got my sports fix by watching ESPN Ocho reruns of weird and wacky competitions like døds diving, headis, stone skipping, lawn mower racing, dodge juggle, Tetris, and the Electricians National Championship.

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
A bowl of Frosted Flakes.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Jumping on Zoom outside can make meetings and classes fun in the sun!

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
Victor E. Knight

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
FIT president, Dr. Joyce F. Brown!

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Allowing me to stay home and safe in the jungle so I can safely return to NYC when the time is right.

10. Share your favorite joke.
How does Stich describe themselves? Purrrrfect!

Eddy Rondack – Adirondack Community College

1. Who are you and where do you work?
I’m Eddy Rondack. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I love representing SUNY Adirondack!

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I’ve been practicing my howl. It’s a lot more difficult to get full range with a mask on, you know.

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
Oh, I love them all, but I think basketball, since I was really looking forward to cheering on our newly refurbished court!

4. Favorite tv show/movie you binged during quarantine?
I wasn’t as into the “Tiger King” as a lot of my wildcat peers were, but I couldn’t get enough of “Wolf,” a Turkish miniseries on Netflix about a Police Special Ops team. I learned a ton about the recent history of Turkey, but sadly I never saw a single wolf, or any delicious turkey, for that matter.

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
These paws don’t quite fit into oven mitts, if you know what I mean. Plus, why would I risk singeing my fur when I have the incredibly talented Culinary students at Seasoned, SUNY Adirondack’s culinary center and fine-dining establishment, to cook for me? They use locally sourced ingredients and produce from our college farm. Nothing I could claw up in the kitchen could compare.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
You have to dress just like you would if you were seeing the others in the fur.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against again the most?
After a year off because of the pandemic, I’ll be happy to see us compete against ANYONE!!

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
Hmm, probably Beowulf. There are few others who have such a long, intriguing history and gorgeous grasp of language. Don’t look so surprised; I haven’t wasted the incredible education I get at SUNY ADK!

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
What we always do best: Make sure our students have what they need to succeed. That has meant loaning computers and webcams, setting up WiFi and MiFi, and helping out students struggling financially because of COVID.

10. Share your favorite joke.
What do you call a wolf who does yoga? Aware wolf.

Burghy – SUNY Plattsburgh

1. Who are you and where do you work?
Hello! My name is Burghy, and I work at the crown jewel of the North Country, SUNY Plattsburgh.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Sadly, I haven’t been able to catch my fellow Cardinals in athletics action yet (though I hope to see them soon!). Instead, I’ve been helping keep our campus safe by honoring the Cardinal Pledge and assisting with surveillance-pool testing. It’s so nice to see all the students!

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
I probably miss Commencement the most. There’s nothing better than seeing graduates walk across the stage in the Field House!

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
I must have watched all nine of Plattsburgh State’s team national championships on repeat! I can’t get enough of watching a Cardinal come out on top

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
I’d eat anything at any of our on-campus eateries, particularly the new café in Kent Hall.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Be well prepared and actively participate in class discussion all while wearing your favorite Plattsburgh State sweatpants.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
Well, now that we’re in divisions this spring, I’d say that I’m champing at the bit to compete against Max C. Bear from SUNY Potsdam.

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
President Enyedi. Chances are when you’re with President Enyedi, he’ll be interacting with the students, too, so it’ll be a way to enjoy dining in a small group

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Our students have done an AWESOME job at masking up! They’re definitely following the Cardinal Pledge.

10. Share your favorite joke.
Knock knock.

Who’s there?

To.

To who?

It’s to whom.
 

Damien the Great Dane – University at Albany

1. Who are you and where do you work?
I’m Damien, the greatest of all Great Danes. I work at UAlbany.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our campus has been busy during the COVID-19 pandemic! We created over 9,200 face shields for frontline workers and our RNA Institute has tested over 70,000 saliva samples. I’m always around to lend a paw.

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
It’s too hard to pick just one but I’m excited that our fall sports get to play this spring!

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
Bridgerton. Woof woof.

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
I’m a dog, so I eat anything. I should learn how to make a Halal Shack rice bowl, though – I’ve really missed those.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Wear headphones to tune out any distractions… though you risk not hearing the call for treats.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
I’m looking forward to competing with all my SUNY friends!

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
The entire student body at a big campus event like Great Danetopia or the Ferocious Feast!

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
We stuck together. We’re OneUAlbany.

10. Share your favorite joke.
What type of markets do dogs avoid shopping in? Flea markets!
 

Hugo the Hawk – SUNY New Paltz

1. Who are you and where do you work?
My name is Hugo the Hawk and I work at SUNY New Paltz, located in New Paltz New York. We have the best views and the best students in the Hudson Valley.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
When I’m not helping students move in or out at the start and end of the year, or making my rounds at our socially distanced events, I can be found teaching any number of fitness classes at the Athletic and Wellness center. I love helping others feel welcome and stay active.

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
All our indoor sports! Our teams work so hard to be the best they can be, and I hope our near future promises full bleachers and plenty of dogpiles.

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
Soul on Disney Plus! Highly recommend it to everyone! I also spot some New Paltz blues in the Great Beyond 😉

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
Cauliflower buffalo wings are DELICIOUS!

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Always try to break the ice first, no one likes to sit in on an awkward zoom call. Connecting with people during these times is hard but take advantage of what you got!

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
All of our competitors are strong, I’m looking forward to beating them all again 😉

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
President Christian always gives the best facts about animals! Did you know he has a degree in zoology? I’ve been settling for his Hot Chocolate with the President series, but hopefully we can go out to lunch soon.

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
SUNY New Paltz has done a great job of providing students with opportunities to socialize while still being safe. Our socially distanced events are always appreciated, and if they don’t fit into your schedule, you can always count on an engaging virtual program!

10. Share your favorite joke.
What does one hawk say to another hawk after pursuing the same squirrel? “Well, this is hawkward!”
 

Mo the Mustang – SUNY Morrisville

1. Who are you and where do you work?
Who are you and where do you work? Hi, my name is Mo! I also go by Mo the Mustang and I am the new official mascot of SUNY Morrisville. I live and breathe all that is SUNY Morrisville.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I started college during the Fall 2020 semester, five months after lockdown started. I arrived to campus during the summer to assist with creating videos about returning to campus safely, and also got to help with our virtual Welcome Weekend. I’ve since been busy with classes, honing my horseshoe skills in the school’s new pits, learning salsa dancing and enjoying campus life. It’s not what I expected, but it has still been a great experience!

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
Soccer, I love to kick so it’s my favorite sport! I’ve also become friends with a lot of the members of the Equestrian teams. Sometimes, I’m even allowed to go for a swim in our Equine Rehab pool

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
Definitely watched my favorite movie, Seabiscuit, a bunch while quarantined. I also enjoyed a ton of Mister Ed rerun

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
Hayburger Helper on a bun with wild oatsumbaca.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
Also, I always knock over my laptop with my face if I get too close, so I have to remember to sit back a bit.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
This is my first year entering the madness, so I’m just excited to saddle up and join the action!

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
My parents! They are both Morrisville alums, so we can’t wait for them to get a chance to return to campus and enjoy a meal at the Copper Turret restaurant.

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Our mantra is #MustangStrong and we proved that by coming together as a campus community to keep each other safe by following safety protocols and participating in weekly testing. We will continue to do so in hopes of a great 2021!

10. Share your favorite joke.
1) Why couldn’t the Morrisville Mascot sing the college anthem? Because Mo was a little horse.

2) What weather do college mascots like the most? Days with SUNY skies.
 

Oakie Acorn – SUNY ESF

1. Who are you and where do you work?
I’m Oakie Acorn from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) located in Syracuse, and I represent the Mighty Oaks athletic teams and the ESF com-munity where they take the phrase Improve Your World to heart.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I took a lot of walks and hikes! There’s nothing like a walk in the great outdoors among my tree friends to clear the head and remind you that “every little thing’s gonna be al-right.” Central New York has some of the best state parks to explore while maintaining social distance. Thankfully, it was still OK to hug trees!

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
Can I say all of them? Our student-athletes and coaches put so much hard work into their sports that it’s always a highlight of each season to see that dedication pay off not just in wins but in camaraderie, sportsmanship and lifelong friendships.

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
I watched a lot of Nat Geo! There were so many amazing documentaries on all aspects of life on earth and what we can do to make sure those resources are here for generations to come. Of course, I couldn’t resist the cuteness of Grogu on The Mandalorian either.

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
Maple-roasted acorn squash using ESF-produced maple syrup from our Heiberg Forest sugarbush. Not only was the squash tasty, but a portion of proceeds from the maple syrup sales benefit student scholarships. It’s a win-win if you ask me.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
First off, if your pet comes into the room, be sure to hold them up to the camera and introduce them to the Zoom group. After that, engage! Answer and ask questions and show your face. If there’s one thing I’ve missed, it’s faces! Good body language and posture helps too. Not that I don’t enjoy lounging on my bed, but sitting up (and ignoring my phone) really helps me get the most out of a Zoom.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
Walter T. Wildcat from SUNY Poly. He’s a good friend and I enjoy the friendly competition because I know at the end of the day we both take pride in representing SUNY and its extraordinary students.

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
I can’t wait to enjoy a barbecue on the Quad with the whole ESF community. Food always tastes better eaten al fresco with a couple hundred of your closest friends.

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Our faculty, staff and administration adapted quickly to the new COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe and healthy! Tutoring and advising services have been extremely flexible and accommodating so students’ health isn’t jeopardized. They also know this is a tough time and have made virtual settings for tutoring and counseling available which helps on those tough days. But perhaps my favorite thing is they made it possible to come back to campus! A masked face from six feet away sure beats a Zoomed face! It’s made the pandemic feel less scary and stressful.

10. Share your favorite joke.
I asked an arborist to explain an acorn to me.

She said, in a nutshell, it’s an oak tree.
 

Red – SUNY Oneonta

1. Who are you and where do you work?
I’m Red, a fierce but friendly dragon representing SUNY Oneonta, and I live on campus in the beautiful City of the Hills in Oneonta, NY.

2. How have you stayed busy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
FaceTiming friends and family, working out, perfecting my dance moves and listening to music. My faves are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Imagine Dragons and O-Town … remember them?

3. What sport/activity do you miss cheering your students on in most?
I was BORN to get the crowd fired up, whether that’s at a sporting event or during new student orientation! I especially miss our annual Battle of the Red Dragons, when we face off against our rival Cortland on the basketball court. Last year we filled the gym with fans and dominated the competition—it was an epic night.

4. Favorite TV show/movie you binged during quarantine?
Tiger King was unmatched. No dragons, but very entertaining. When I need an old familiar, there are two I always return to: If I need to laugh and relax? How to Train Your Dragon. Gets me every time. Every other mood? Game of Thrones. Not to give away the ending or anything, but dragons rule!

5. What quarantine meal did you learn to make to help keep you strong and healthy?
Few people know this, but I’m actually a really excellent cook. Breathing fire comes in handy. You may think my specialty would be cold-cheese pizza, but I leave that to the experts in downtown Oneonta. During quarantine, I refined my veggie kebab, and now I’m going to tackle the perfect, crispy hot wings.

6. Share your best tip to make the most out of a Zoom class or meeting.
If you’re going to have your camera on, you HAVE to have good lighting. My lair can get pretty dark, so I bought a ring light. Game changer. I also downloaded a sweet SUNY Oneonta Zoom background so no one sees my messy living room.

7. Who are you looking forward to competing against the most?
Everyone’s expecting me to say SUNY Cortand’s dragon, Blaze. But the mascot I really want to take on is Columbia-Greene Community College’s Rip Van Winkle, the reigning Mascot Madness Champion. The guy is 200 years old and literally fell asleep one time for 20 years. I know I can take him.

8. Who do you most want to enjoy a meal with when it’s safe to do so again?
Acting President Dennis Craig and his dog Beckett. Just need to remember to control myself because last time I got excited to have company, breathed a little too hard, and accidentally burned all the food before we could even take a bite.

9. What has your school done best to get through 2020 and be ready for 2021?
Red Dragons are fiercely loyal and stick together. We faced the challenges of 2020 together and came out better, stronger and more resilient. And we never lost our spirit.

10. Share your favorite joke.
I’d love to make a really long, pun-filled lizard joke here, but I don’t want to dragon.