In 2017, the 5th Annual Mascot Madness tournament, our campus representatives have come ready to play. 38 of the strongest, most energetic, campus representatives have put in long hours cheering on their teams, raising school spirit, and showing New York the great things about SUNY schools.
So what makes these guys tick? We had a chance to talk to each of them to get the answers ourselves. Read on to learn a little something about each of this year’s participants, arranged by the bracket they are competing in. Then, be sure to cast your votes in each round.
Below are the Region 1 participants.
Coby T. Tiger – SUNY Cobleskill | Ellsworth Eagle – Brockport | Damien – UAlbany | Orvis – Alfred State | Walter T. Wildcat – SUNY Poly | Reggie the Raider – Fulton-Montgomery CC | Oakie – ESF | Stitch – FIT | The Colt – Orange County CC
SUNY Cobleskill – Coby T. Tiger
- What is your name?
My name is Coby T. Tiger.
- What school are you from?
I am the mascot for the SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
The Tigers Den of course.
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
That actor/producer Kevin L. Phillips (Pride, Notorious & Red Tails) is an alumnus and played basketball for the Fighting Tigers.
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
It used to be Twisted Whiskers one of our campus snack bars but lately I’ve been going to the campus fish hatchery and greenhouse for dinner.
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
I’m big into hiking and I like to go deer or turkey hunting whenever I get the chance.
- One superpower you would want?
I would like to fly so I would be a Flying Fighting Tiger!!!
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Doc. Definitely Doc.
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
I prefer horse on pizza but wildcat is also pretty tasty.
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
I’ve been told that Benji the Bengal the Buffalo State mascot and I are fourth cousins on my mother’s side so if I had to team up with someone I guess he would be my choice.
The College at Brockport – Ellsworth Eagle
- What is your name?
Ellsworth Eagle
- What school are you from?
The College at Brockport
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
Anywhere our students are cheering on our teams! But, sometimes, in a quiet moment, I’ll climb to the top of the Allen Building and just gaze over the whole campus like Batman would survey Gotham City. Batman’s cool.
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
Our students perform a lot of community service—more than 273,000 hours last year alone!
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
I love all the different options in The Square in the Seymour College Union.
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
Go for a bike ride or hike along the Erie Canal. Head into Rochester to explore its history and museums. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes… I could go on…
- One superpower you would want?
Since Eagles already can fly, let’s go with the power to move objects with my mind. Because who wouldn’t want to move things with their mind?
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
If it’s before I’ve had my morning coffee it’s Grumpy, amirite? Heh. But seriously, folks, I’m kind of combination of Happy and Doc, with a little Bashful thrown in for good measure.
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
Fresh fish, caught from nearby Lake Ontario. Hey, I am an Eagle, you know.
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
I think choosing Roody Roo would be the prudent choice, just for the hopping ability. Between flying and hopping, we’d need about 3 steps to win the race.
University at Albany – Damien
- What is your name?
Damien
- What school are you from?
UAlbany
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
SEFCU Arena stays lit during March, that’s where I want to be.
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
You can actually bury bones in the quads here and you won’t get in trouble (most of the time).
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
The buried bones on the quad (don’t tell anyone).
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
The open up golf courses for dogs to run on here, it’s AWESOME!
- One superpower you would want?
Telepathy, to find out if I am in fact a “goodboy.”
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Don’t ask.
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
Kibble
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
Sparty’s probably the only one strong enough to handle me!
Alfred State – Orvis the Pioneer
- What is your name?
Orvis the Pioneer– named after a true Pioneer that was a student, teacher, president, and executive dean at Alfred State. - What school are you from?
Alfred State - Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
On top of our new tubing hill. The tubing hill is one of the highest points on campus and has one of the best views of campus. Going down the hill is a blast especially was the snow is fast. - One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
Our campus has a working farm that features a traditional and an organic barn. We keep my covered wagon and team of steers that guide me around campus at the farm. - Favorite on-campus eatery?
The Feast Beast – nothing better than a four-wheel restaurant that can deliver me a meal in the woods! At least once a week I have a craving for cheeseburger! - Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
One of my favorite spots to go to hang out and relax is Foster Lake, which is located just a quarter of a mile away from campus. Foster Lake is part of a 220-acre site available for academic use by the college and for recreational use by the community. Recreational activities at the lake include swimming, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and small craft sailing. Recreational trails, picnic areas and limited camping sites circle the lake. - One superpower you would want?
I would want super speed like Dash in the Incredibles. There is so much happening on our campus that it would make it easier for me to get to all the events. I am also a larger person so I am not fleet of foot so I always have wanted to be fast. - Which one of the seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Happy… There isn’t a time that you see me around campus without a giant smile. - What is your favorite pizza topping?
This is one of the tougher questions because who doesn’t like pizza especially if it is from Zippy’s or Little Sicily, but if I had to say what my favorite pizza topping is… it would have to be classic peperoni. - Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
I would team up with Rudy the Roo from SUNY Canton. We are around the same height and he can put snacks in his pouch so we can reenergize during the race.
SUNY Poly – Walter T. Wildcat
- What is your name?
Walter T. Wildcat
- What school are you from?
Upper Division College…I mean SUNYIT…No, wait…SUNY Poly. I don’t know anymore!
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
I can tell you where I don’t go – The Wildcat Grill. That sounds scary, yo!
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
We have had more name changes than P. Diddy.
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
The woods. That’s where all the small critters are. … Whattaya want? I’m a Wildcat for cryin’ out loud!
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
Go to Bite Bakery in Downtown Utica. Get it? Bite. Cuz I’m a Wildcat.
- One superpower you would want?
The power to be in two places at once – the Utica and Albany campus.
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Sneezy. Cuz I’m allergic to fur. Ironic, right?
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
Anchovies. Or Squirrel. Either one my roommates make me eat it outside.
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
The MVCC Hawk, cuz man does that guy look tasty…er…cool. I mean cool.
Fulton-Montgomery Community College – Reggie the Raider
- What is your name?
Reggie the Raider
- What school are you from?
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
Why Raiders Cove of course! Me and me lads shoot a game of pool and the loser buys the winner a mouthwatering Mondo Submarine! We used to make the loser walk the plank over the Mohawk River but it’s no fun without any sharks!
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
FM has a long history of international students – more than 100 every year! This year we have students representing 25 countries and 6 continents! I am able to make friends from around the world at FM without even having to set sail on me pirate ship!
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
Why the X-Kitchen of course! X always marks the spot… and their home-style meals always hit the spot in me belly!
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
Attend an Amsterdam Mohawks Baseball Game at ye ol’ Shuttleworth Park! The Amsterdam Mohawks are a part of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, comprising a fourteen-team summer league played throughout upstate New York. There’s even an FM Night at the Mohawks where you can enjoy the fresh breeze of a summer’s eve and the fresh taste of some cheap ale (21 and over of course you be!)!
- One superpower you would want?
To be able to unscramble eggs with me bare hook!
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Who else but the leader of the dwarfs, Doc! He be very wise, just like me! And we both have eye wear!
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
Hot, greasy, drippy bacon! Mmmm me mouth is watering just thinking about me bacon!
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
The Herkimer General! Just like me, he knows how to lead his team to battle! The two of us would be a force to reckon with! Arrrrrrrgggh!
ESF – Oakie Acorn
- What is your name?
Oakie Acorn
- What school are you from?
The College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
I love hanging out in the College’s Gateway Center with all the students. There are so many interesting people to talk to and study with.
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
We have a team called the Woodsmen that participate in traditional timber sports – things like the cross-cut competition and the pulp toss. You should come to a meet sometime.
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
The Trailhead. They have something for everyone – from bacon-ivore to vegan, you can find something for every appetite and diet.
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
You can hike at Green Lakes State Park or go for a run at Onondaga Lake Park or check out the Finger Lakes. (Acorns like to be outside.)
- One superpower you would want?
Did you ever watch Captain Planet? I would love to have his superpowers – flight, super-strength and the ability to rearrange my molecular structure into the various elements and powers of nature all to protect our environment.
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
I wish there was an “Earthy” dwarf, but in lieu of that I would be Happy. How could I pick any other as I’m surrounded by students who have the shared goal of improving our world?
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
Those that remind me of my forest home.
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
SUNY Canton’s Roody Roo. That guy can move, and jump and plain old go.
Twitter: @ESFOakie
Facebook: Oakie Acorn
FIT – Stitch
- What is your name?
My name is Stitch! Pretty fashionable, don’t you think?
- What school are you from?
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
Being that I like to stay in shape, my favorite place to hang out on campus is the Stanton Fitness Center. Working out helps me keep up with competition from other SUNY mascots.
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
Many people do not realize that FIT offers seven different master’s degrees in addition to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. And here’s a bonus fun fact about tigers: Tiger stripes are like fingerprints. No two tigers have the exact same pattern.
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
My favorite place to eat on campus is the dining hall. They have a lot of great choices and also a Starbucks for when I need a caffeine boost. Being a mascot can be hard work!
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
When I have free time, I like to roam around on the High Line or the Hudson River Greenway. There are beautiful views of the Hudson River and a path that stretches for miles along the river where I go for runs or bike rides. Other times, when I’m in the mood to relax, I just like to just stroll or lie down in the grass, take in the sun, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.
- One superpower you would want?
Being a tiger who likes to work out, I am already super fast and super strong. But I wish I had teleportation powers! It would be nice to be able to transport myself to my native jungle habitat to visit my other tiger family on the weekends or over spring break!
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
Though I love my job and FIT, I think Grumpy and I have a lot in common, and not just because of the big nose! Just as Grumpy was the hero who saved Snow White from the Evil Queen, I watch over and protect my FIT family!
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
In my jungle habitat, we don’t have good pizzerias, so one of the things I love best about working as the mascot of FIT is the abundance of local pizzerias near campus! My favorite topping combo is chicken, bacon, and ranch…mmmm!
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
That would be Red from SUNY Oneonta because he’s got wings. If we fell behind in the race, his wings would help us speed ahead. He also breathes fire, and that’s pretty cool too!
Orange County Community College – The Colt
- What is your name?
My name is “THE COLT”. The one. The only. The definite article you might say.
- What school are you from?
SUNY Orange! (aka Orange County Community College)
- Favorite place to hang out in your campus?
The Diana Physical Education Center, the Alumni Green, the Oval, the soccer field. Anywhere with our students and athletes!
- One fact about your school/campus that most people don’t know?
We have the full skeleton of a 10,000 year old Mastodon (named “Sugar”) in the Bio-Tech building! Our long-dead Mastodon has a name, but I don’t? What gives?
- Favorite on-campus eatery?
Out of the Sarah Wells Café, the Shepard Center Cafeteria and the Hudson View Café? Look, if I tell you my favorite, the other two will stop giving me sugar cubes!
- Cool thing to do in the surrounding area?
Bowling, harness racing, hot air ballooning, apple picking, hiking – take your pick! Alas, Finnish Fisch-Schlapping has not taken off in the area.
- One superpower you would want?
There’s no improving on perfection.
- Which of the Seven Dwarfs is most like you?
At 15 hands I’m a bit tall for a dwarf! But I like them all! So I’d be the eighth dwarf: Bucky.
- What is your favorite pizza topping?
ANCHOVIES. Ain’t no equine saltier than me!
- Which mascot would you team up with in a three-legged race?
Rocky the Hawk from Rockland Community College. We have a fierce rivalry, but mainly I like his ORANGE feathers!
