MASCOT PROFILE
Benji the Bengal
SUNY Buffalo State
Share your support for your favorite mascot!
- Where are you from?
I was born at the San Diego Zoo. I was part of a multi-player trade in the 1970s. When the Buffalo Braves NBA franchise became the San Diego Clippers, I was part of the deal that went back to Buffalo. Looking for work, I went to Buffalo State and fell in love. - How many teams do you represent?
19 varsity teams - How were you chosen to be school mascot?
The school colors were black and orange and after a school contest, “Bengals” was the selected moniker. I got the job because I was told I am “easy on the eyes”. - Do you have any friends that are mascots?
Not really. I have a few that I would consider “rivals”. I occasionally go clubbing with Sabretooth (Buffalo Sabres), but he is a little too big for his britches. - What is your favorite campus event?
The sport doesn’t matter to me. I just love a Buffalo State victory, especially during a Bengals Supporting Bengals event. - What is your favorite television or movie animal?
I really liked that “big cat” in that Life of Pi movie. I also think Garfield is hilarious. - What is your favorite food?
Anything from Tim Hortons! - What do you consider the ideal fan?
Somebody who supports the team win or lose. I like the fans that cheer loud for our teams and not against the other team. Of course the ideal fan should also wear lots of face paint! - What’s it like to be a mascot?
Hot! I love making kids smile, but it can be a drag when people always pull on my tail. - What do you like to do for fun?
I just love catching a game. Nothing beats the excitement of a Buffalo State victory. At the end of the night when everyone has gone home, however, I have been known to have some friends come to Kissinger Pool for some midnight skinny dipping.