2008 Woodie Awards
The 'Big' mystery behind your favorite man in red
Kristina Dolan
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: A & E
It remains a mystery. Who is the person masquerading around campus? Who is the one that ignites the crowd on game night? Who is Big Red?
Take the opportunity to on April 28 - May 2 to try out and the pioneering prankster could be you.
On Feb. 10, 2007 the former mascot, Bucky, was replaced by a fresher face. During halftime of the women's basketball game versus Robert Morris College, the Pioneer mascot, Big Red, took his first steps out onto half court at the William H. Pitt Center.
It took three years for former Student Government president, alumnus Jim Daly, to get the mascot, but it was well worth the wait. He was determined to get a new mascot before he graduated. But who brings such a leader to life?
"All I'll say is that tryouts will be held on campus," said Keith Johnston, director of bands. "Any student interested needs to contact us to set-up a time. We're not having open tryouts because Big Red's identity is a secret, and that extends to those trying out to be Big Red."
"Big Red needs to be energetic, full of attitude, and not afraid to go head to head with mascots from other teams like he did at the Quinnipiac double-header basketball game at QU this past year," said Johnston. "Big Red loves all of his fans of course, little kids on up. He's also a proud Pioneer, and supports SHU on and off the field and court."
In order for Big Red to stay a success though here at Sacred Heart, his identity has to be a secret.
"Big Red represent all of us, the students, the faculty, the staff, everyone. We each see something of ourselves in him, and what he does," said Johnston. "What is important is that the person who is Big Red, lives up to the Pioneer tradition. I don't want to look at our mascot and say 'Oh yeah, well that's just Bob under there.'"
Big Red makes appearances at football, basketball, hockey, and many other athletic events. He also makes appearances at University events, and acts as an ambassador to the community.
"Big Red is about Big Red and the Pioneers, not about the person who puts on the suit," said Johnston. "Yes each person who plays Big Red brings their own personality to him, but they also absorb a part of Big Red's personality, and make it part of their own."
After years of former mascot, Bucky, being sidelined for repair, it was time to step up and bring a new mascot to the table. Thanks to the Student Government for pursuing this opportunity, Sacred Heart University has a fresh face that brings out the enthusiasm in the crowds.
"Big Red is a great mascot because he motivates the crowd," said junior class board members Lilah Rossi and Tara Kelly. "He enhances the school spirit."
For more information about becoming Big Red, contact assistant director of bands Tim Holcomb at holcombt@sacredheart.edu.
Tryout and make your school proud.
Take the opportunity to on April 28 - May 2 to try out and the pioneering prankster could be you.
On Feb. 10, 2007 the former mascot, Bucky, was replaced by a fresher face. During halftime of the women's basketball game versus Robert Morris College, the Pioneer mascot, Big Red, took his first steps out onto half court at the William H. Pitt Center.
It took three years for former Student Government president, alumnus Jim Daly, to get the mascot, but it was well worth the wait. He was determined to get a new mascot before he graduated. But who brings such a leader to life?
"All I'll say is that tryouts will be held on campus," said Keith Johnston, director of bands. "Any student interested needs to contact us to set-up a time. We're not having open tryouts because Big Red's identity is a secret, and that extends to those trying out to be Big Red."
"Big Red needs to be energetic, full of attitude, and not afraid to go head to head with mascots from other teams like he did at the Quinnipiac double-header basketball game at QU this past year," said Johnston. "Big Red loves all of his fans of course, little kids on up. He's also a proud Pioneer, and supports SHU on and off the field and court."
In order for Big Red to stay a success though here at Sacred Heart, his identity has to be a secret.
"Big Red represent all of us, the students, the faculty, the staff, everyone. We each see something of ourselves in him, and what he does," said Johnston. "What is important is that the person who is Big Red, lives up to the Pioneer tradition. I don't want to look at our mascot and say 'Oh yeah, well that's just Bob under there.'"
Big Red makes appearances at football, basketball, hockey, and many other athletic events. He also makes appearances at University events, and acts as an ambassador to the community.
"Big Red is about Big Red and the Pioneers, not about the person who puts on the suit," said Johnston. "Yes each person who plays Big Red brings their own personality to him, but they also absorb a part of Big Red's personality, and make it part of their own."
After years of former mascot, Bucky, being sidelined for repair, it was time to step up and bring a new mascot to the table. Thanks to the Student Government for pursuing this opportunity, Sacred Heart University has a fresh face that brings out the enthusiasm in the crowds.
"Big Red is a great mascot because he motivates the crowd," said junior class board members Lilah Rossi and Tara Kelly. "He enhances the school spirit."
For more information about becoming Big Red, contact assistant director of bands Tim Holcomb at holcombt@sacredheart.edu.
Tryout and make your school proud.
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