We have all seen the Wildcat around campus and cheering on at big sports games, but that’s about as far as our knowledge goes for our mascot.

Who is the Wildcat? There are only a select few people that have been able to withstand the rigorous conditions the suit offers.

Mr. Syfu, who only donned the Wildcat suit once, shared his experience with The Willistonian and what he was able to take away from his time as the mascot.

“I took what I have seen from watching sports on TV and tried to transfer them [the moves] over,” Syfu said. “I kept it simple with high-fives and fist bumps, along with the head nodding and twirls all around campus.”

Another first-time mascot, although with a little more experience under his belt, was Mr. Rivenburgh.

Rivenburgh spent three-and-a-half years as Rhett, the Boston University Terrier mascot. During his time as his college sports mascot, he once spent six hours in the hot suit. His time as the Wildcat was significantly less straining.

Both teachers enjoyed their time as Willy, although neither has put on the suit since.

It’s safe to say that whoever the Wildcat is, there’s a level of school pride and passion, necessary to fill the oversized shoes, and a lot more to ever get you back in it again.

“Although it was a tremendously fulfilling experience,” Syfu said. “It was so emotionally draining that I couldn’t imagine giving that much of myself again.”